Winter Fun Checklist

Harbman introduced Sami to her school after hearing about the program that her daughter was involved with in Lincoln. Over the years, she has been impressed by his ability to connect with the students who are struggling a little during the circuits and need extra help, explaining that “Sami finds those ones and makes them shine.”

For another parent in Roseville, Lindsey West, Sami’s videos have become part of her seven-year-old son’s weekly physical education time as well as a foundation for his social-emotional learning throughout the week.

“We’ve been working with our son for a while on positive thinking, resilience, perseverance, and self-motivation,” said West. “Lately, he has been drawing pictures and hiding them for us to find as an end of day activity. In these pictures, he has started putting Sami’s words, ‘You got this’ and ‘Never give up.’”

West explained that Sami’s message of overcoming a negative voice from his childhood has really resonated with her son. After learning about the negative voice in one of the first videos, she bought the book of Sami’s story, and they read it from time to time to remind her son that he can overcome negativity and have a happy and healthy life, like Sami.

A teacher in Lincoln, Cammie Sahyoun, is excited to have Sami’s program at a brand new school in the district, where she is teaching second grade (distance learning). Many of the kids remember Sami from their previous schools, and their faces light up when they see him on the screen.

“I played a video last week when they needed to get up and move, and they all loved it,” said Sahyoun, who’s been teaching 18 years. “They are looking forward to family night next week!”

The positive messaging surrounding Sami’s Circuit hits home in a time when it’s truly needed—for teachers, parents, and most importantly, for kids. His weekly videos are working to create new bonds and reinforce existing bonds between Sami and the students; he believes this is key in building resilience.

“Sami’s videos go beyond just exercise for us,” said West. “They are helping our son develop the tools he will need to thrive throughout the challenges of life.”

“What used to be a message that I can only give in person is now a message that can reach kids everywhere!” -Sami

Winter Checklist 31 Things To Do As A Family This Winter 1. Go to the snow 2. Make hot chocolate 3. Make cookies 4. Have an indoor scavenger hunt 5. Make homemade soup 6. Watch a Christmas or winter movie 7. Cut out paper snowflakes 8. Eat a candy cane 9. Do a family puzzle 10. Build a blanket fort 11. Sip hot apple cider 12. Splash in puddles 13. Have a no-screen day 14. Write a letter to a friend 15. Read a holiday story 16. Make a pine cone birdfeeder 17. Have a pajama day 18. Play a board game 19. Do a random act of kindness 20. Deliver baked goods to a neighbor 21. Visit a museum, virtually 22. Donate to a food bank 23. Donate toys you are no longer using to a local charity 24. Bundle up and go for a nature walk 25. Drive around and look at holiday lights 26. Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt (see page 28) 27. Eat breakfast in bed 28. Take an online yoga class 29. Make a handmade gift 30. Sit by a fire 31. Make a craft or complete an activity from page 22 or 23