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Sami's Circuit Goes the Distance Reminding Kids Everywhere, You Got This! By Allison Hopkins
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ens of thousands of students in northern California have taken part in Sami Kader’s motivational programs since 2012, and with today’s challenges, they need this more than ever. Just like his program teaches—to never give up—Sami has found a way to continue to reach kids during distance learning through his “On Demand” series. Teachers and parents use Sami’s weekly, 20-minute videos designed to support kids’ physical, mental, and social well-being from Pre-K to sixth grade.
high school, teaching them about the tools he used to believe in himself, and engaging them through fun circuit training workouts throughout the year. For anyone who hasn’t seen Sami’s training in action, it’s an auditorium full of so much energy that you can’t help but be a little stunned! Fast forward to distance learning of 2020 and the new video platform has enabled Sami’s service to reach school districts and parents located anywhere, anytime. His videos focus on a “circuit of powers,” a social-emotional toolbox. He teaches the kids that much like with a superhero, the powers aren’t something that are given to you. Students are shown that these powers already exist and can be accessed at any time once they understand and learn how to use them. A sample video is included at samiscircuit.com/homeschool.
“What used to be a message that I can only give in person is now a message that can reach kids everywhere!” -Sami
Sami began struggling with low self-esteem as a young child. He was mocked and bullied by his peers for being overweight, which resulted in what he refers to as a “negative voice” inside, leading him down a bad path. His story shows how one person can change someone’s course forever. When Sami was 16, a family friend insisted that he join him on daily trips to the gym. There was a lot of resistance initially, but after one year, Sami lost a significant amount of weight and, most importantly, gained more mental strength and respect for himself than can be measured.
Family nights have been a popular part of Sami’s in-person program. Now families of schools that subscribe and others who purchase the On-Demand program can participate in the monthly live virtual events. Each event has a different theme and “field trip” location.
Sami’s two-part program for the past eight school years has involved talking with students during an initial assembly about what he faced throughout elementary, junior high and
Courtney Harbman’s fourth-graders at Foothill Oaks Elementary School in Sacramento have been involved with Sami’s program since kindergarten. They are very excited
