Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week: Fun Ways for Students and Parents to Say Thank You

Every spring, we get the chance to honor the incredible educators who inspire, guide, and support students every day. Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect time to show gratitude for all the hard work teachers do - both in and out of the classroom.

What Is Teacher Appreciation Week?

Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated during the first full week of May each year. In 2025, it runs from May 5 to May 9, with National Teacher Day falling on Tuesday, May 6.

The tradition began in 1953 when First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded Congress to set aside a day to recognize teachers. It wasn’t until 1984 that the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) established the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week.

Fun and Meaningful Ways to Show Appreciation

Looking for creative ways to thank your teachers? Here are some ideas for students and parents to celebrate:

1. Handwritten Notes or Cards

A heartfelt message can mean the world to a teacher. Encourage your child to write a note expressing what they appreciate about their teacher.

2. Classroom Supplies

Teachers often spend their own money on classroom materials. Consider gifting items like markers, sticky notes, or tissues.

3. Decorate the Classroom Door

Collaborate with other parents and students to create a festive door decoration celebrating your teacher.

4. Video Messages

Compile short video clips from students sharing their favorite memories or what they love about their teacher.

5. Themed Days

Organize themed days during the week, such as “Thank You Thursday” where each student brings a small token of appreciation.

Tokens of Appreciation from Fitness Finders

Fitness Finders offers a variety of customizable incentive charms and awards that can serve as thoughtful gifts for teachers. These tokens can be a fun way for students to express their gratitude. Explore options like:

• Thumbs Up Charm: A Cheerful way to say “Great Job!”

• Star Charms: To let teachers know they’re stars in your eyes.

• Good Choice Charm: Celebrating the positive impact of teachers' guidance.

• Apple Charm: A classic symbol of education and respect for teachers.

• Thank You Mini Medal: A direct and simple message that speaks volumes and is ideal for students of all ages to give to their teacher.

These small tokens can be paired with a thank-you note or included in a gift bag. Check out the full selection of Fitness Finders Tokens.

Why Teacher Appreciation Matters

Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the minds and futures of our children. Recognizing their dedication not only boosts their morals but also reinforces the value of education in our communities.

Create Opportunities for Kids to Run, Play, and Exercise - Double the Fun by Getting Outdoors

 Celebrate being outdoors with a purpose, a little motivation, possible rewards, and mostly for fun.

At Fitness Finders, we believe that celebrating movement with meaningful rewards helps kids:

• Build consistency in physical activity.

• Feel proud of their efforts (not just results).

• Stay engaged through fun and play.

Why Rewards Work

When kids know there’s a goal to reach - or a cool token to earn - it gives them a sense of purpose. It’s not about competition; it’s about progress and participation.

Research shows that intrinsic motivation grows when kids associate physical activity with fun, accomplishment, and recognition - not pressure. And small, tangible rewards (like our colorful tokens) help reinforce that positive connection.

How to Use Tokens for Play Outside Day

Here are a few fun ways to use Fitness Finders tokens with your students or kids:

• Outdoor Bingo

Complete a row of outdoor activities (like hopscotch, nature walks, or jumping jacks) to earn a reward. Make things more interesting or challenging to see if you can get multiple bingos, or fill up the whole bingo card. Reward kids with a special Fitness Finders token for completing a Bingo, or reward them with a token that corresponds with each outdoor activity they complete - frog jumps, walking, jumping jacks, run like a rocket, etc…

Download a free printable bingo activity board. 

• Play Outside Pledge

Track 30 minutes of outdoor play for 5 days and reward with a star, flower, or sun token.

Download a free printable fitness tracker.

• Group Challenge

Get the whole class or family active and create a group goal - e.g. tally the total # minutes outside. Add a little twist and make it required for everyone to be outside at the time for the minutes to count and celebrate with a group reward.

• Kindness in the Outdoors

Recognize kids who help clean up a playground, invite a friend to play, or show great sportsmanship.

Why Does It Matter?

• Kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day according to the CDC.

• Outdoor play improves mood, focus, and sleep - for kids and adults!

• Physical activity helps build strong muscles, bones, and confidence.

• Studies show that kids who play outside regularly have lower stress levels and do better in school.

Movement + Recognition = Motivation

Pairing physical activity with positive recognition helps kids feel seen, builds confidence, and encourages them to keep moving. National Play Outside and National Fitness Day is the perfect time to start - or refresh - that habit.

Fun + Fitness = Happy, Healthy Kids

Here’s how you can celebrate these two movement-filled days with your students or kids at home:

• Create a backyard or recess obstacle course

Use cones, jump ropes, or even sidewalk chalk!

• Go on a nature walk or scavenger hunt

Add movement and mindfulness

• Launch a mini fitness challenge

10 jumping jacks, 10 squats, 10 toe touches … repeat!

• Free play for the win

Sometimes the best fitness is unstructured. Let kids run, explore, and get messy!

Make Movement Stick with Rewards That Matter

At Fitness Finders, we make getting active fun and meaningful. Our colorful tokens and awards are perfect for recognizing effort, teamwork, or sticking with a new fitness goal. Try our outdoor-themed tokens to mark milestones and keep kids motivated.

Let’s Move Together

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or coach, National Play Outside Day and National Fitness Day are great reminders that movement doesn’t have to be complicated - it just needs to be consistent.

Celebrate Your Principal: Make This Principal Day One to Remember!

 Despite their dedication and hard work, students often perceive school principals as strict, unapproachable, or disciplinary figures. Can principal day change that?

Principal Day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect chance to recognize the heart and soul of your school - your principal! These amazing leaders wear many hats, from guiding teachers and students to keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. So why not make them feel extra appreciated?

This year, let’s get kids excited about saying “thank you” in creative, meaningful ways. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a group thank-you card, or a surprise school-wide cheer, simple acts can go a long way in making your principal smile.

Want to take it up a notch? Fitness Finders has you covered with our Principal Award Tokens - a fun and tangible way to celebrate your school’s top leader! These special tokens are a great addition to any recognition event or classroom activity.

Find all the tools you need at fitnessfinders.com and help your students show love to the people who help shape their school daily.

Free Download Top Tokens for Principal Day

What is Principal Day?

Principals are the leaders behind every great school - guiding teachers, supporting students, working with parents, and making sure the whole building runs like clockwork. From morning announcements to after-school programs, principals are the glue that holds it all together.

Every year on May 1st is a chance to celebrate and say “thank you” to the people who lead with heart, vision, and dedication.

History of Principal Day

This day was founded back in 1990 to recognize the critical role principals play in education and wanted to shine a spotlight on their often underappreciated efforts. 

May 1st has grown into a national celebration, with schools across the country using the day to thank principals for their leadership, commitment, and the positive impact they have on students, teachers, and school communities.

Why Do Principals Sometimes Get a Bad Rap?

Despite their dedication and hard work, school principles sometimes carry a negative persona. Why does this perception exist?

1. The Disciplinarian Role

Principals are often involved when behavior issues arise, so students tend to associate them with discipline. If a student only sees the principal when they’re being corrected or punished, that association sticks - especially at younger ages.

2. Limited Personal Interaction

Principals wear a lot of hats and have packed schedules, so they might not always get the chance to build daily, informal connections with every student. Without that rapport, it’s easy for students (and sometimes parents) to view them as distant or “just the boss.”

3. Leadership Can Feel Intimidating

Being the top authority in a building naturally comes with a certain weight. Even when principals are kind and approachable, their title alone can feel intimidating - especially to kids.

4. Media & Pop Culture

TV shows and movies often paint principles as villains or rigid-enforcers for comedic effect. Think of characters like Principal Rooney in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. These portrayals reinforce negative stereotypes.

The Flip Side: Why It’s Time to Shift the Narrative

The truth is, that most principals are deeply passionate about helping students succeed. They champion school spirit, support teachers, advocate for resources, and work behind the scenes to create a positive learning environment.

That’s why days like National Principal Day are so important. They give us a chance to highlight the human side of school leadership - and help kids see their principal as a caring, supportive figure, not just the person who handles detentions.

Encouraging positive student-principal interactions - like recognition events, classroom visits, and fun school-wide challenges - can go a long way in reshaping how principals are viewed.

How Can You Celebrate?

• Have students create thank-you cards or artwork

• Host a school-wide shout-out or assembly

• Decorate the principal’s office door

• Give a small gift from the staff or PTA

Inspiring Kids to Get Active and Stay Healthy

Every year, National Exercise Day is celebrated on April 18th as a reminder of the importance of physical activity for people of all ages. While adults may think of exercise as going to the gym or running, for kids, exercise should be all about fun, movement, and play.

With increasing screen time and busy schedules, many children aren’t getting the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. As parents and educators, we have the power to make exercise an enjoyable and natural part of kids' lives. Here’s how we can celebrate National Exercise Day and encourage kids to stay active all year long.

Why Exercise Is Important for Kids

1. Builds Strong Bodies

Regular exercise helps develop strong muscles and bones, improves coordination, and enhances flexibility. It also helps prevent obesity and promotes a healthy heart.

2. Boost Brain Power

Active kids tend to focus better in school, retain information more easily, and perform better academically. Exercising has been shown to improve memory, problem-solving skills, and creativity.

3. Improves Mood and Reduces Stress

Physical activity releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones that help reduce stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of ADHD. Exercise helps kids feel happier, more relaxed, and ready to take on challenges.

4. Encourages Social Skills

Group activities like playing tag, riding bikes with friends, or participating in sports teach teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.

5. Establishes Healthy Habits for Life

When kids learn to enjoy physical activity from a young age, they are more likely to continue exercising into adulthood, reducing their risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

How to Make Exercise Fun for Kids

The key to getting kids excited about exercise is to make it feel like play rather than a chore. 

Here are some creative ways to keep them moving:

1. Turn Exercise into a Game

• Obstacle Courses - Set up cones, chairs, and ropes in the backyard or living room for kids to jump over, crawl under, and race through.

• Scavenger Hunts - Create an active scavenger hunt where kids have to run, jump, or do a silly move to find clues.

• Freeze Dance - Play music and have kids dance. When the music stops, they have to freeze in place.

2. Get Moving as a Family

• Go for a walk, bike ride, or nature hike together.

• Have a family dance party or do a kids’ workout video.

• Play interactive games like charades or Simon Says with an active twist.

3. Incorporate Exercise into Daily Routines

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

• Walk or bike instead of driving when possible.

• Do quick movement breaks in between homework or screen time.

4. Encourage Outdoor Play

Fresh air and movement go hand in hand! Encourage kids to:

• Play at the park or playground.

• Ride bikes, scooters, or roller skates,

• Climb trees, jump rope, or play hopscotch.

5. Introduce Sports and Activities

Not all kids enjoy traditional team sports, and that’s okay! Help them explore different options like:

• Swimming

• Martial arts

• Gymnastics

• Dance

• Rock climbing

• Yoga

6. Use Technology in a Healthy Way

If kids love screens, use them to encourage movement! Try:

• Interactive video games that involve dancing or sports.

• Fitness apps with fun challenges for kids.

• Virtual reality (VR) games that require physical movement.

Celebrating National Exercise Day in Schools and Homes

For Educators:

• Organize a school-wide fitness challenge with fun activities throughout the day.

• Plan active learning breaks where kids do jumping jacks, stretches, or quick games between lessons.

• Host a relay race or sports day with different activity stations.

For Parents:

• Plan an active playdate with friends at a park or trampoline gym.

• Set up a daily movement goal and reward kids for completing it.

• Take an evening walk or do a fun physical challenge together

Making Movement a Habit

National Exercise Day is a great time to introduce new ways to stay active, but the goal is to keep kids moving all year round. By making exercise fun and engaging, we can help children develop a lifelong love of movement that will benefit their physical and mental health for years to come.