Hello ,

Thank you for your patience as we made updates to our Trainer HUB! Some materials are still branded as BOKS, but that’s a work in progress.

As we kick off a new school year, we’re reminded of the power of movement. Psychiatrist Dr. John Ratey calls exercise “Miracle-Gro for the brain.” Movement doesn’t just build strong bodies, it also sharpens focus, lifts mood, and boosts learning. Our mission remains clear: to get every child moving, every day.

Over the past two years, an additional 4,500 parents, caregivers, and teachers have enrolled in Active Kids programs, reaching more than 1.4 million children. In addition to expanding our regular content, we are continuing to develop curricula with clinical teams at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Massachusetts General Brigham for Children in their endocrinology and obesity units.

This year, we will be spotlighting the power of parents, caregivers, and teachers like you who can spark a movement at their child’s school. By bringing Active Kids & Minds to your school or community center, you’ll help create a healthier future for all children while making active, memorable moments with your own. Often, it takes just one parent to inspire an entire community.

We’re also excited to share that our updated Running and Pickleball curricula, designed by pros and supported with step-by-step videos, will now carry a small one-time fee to help sustain our work. If you can’t afford this fee, please email info@activekids.org.

Thanks to the generosity of Reebok, On Running, Franklin, and the Boston Athletic Association, all of our other resources remain free for now and accessible, because every child deserves the chance to move, play, and thrive.

Together, let’s make this the year every child experiences the power of movement for their bodies, their brains, and their future.

With gratitude,

The Active Kids & Minds Team

UPDATED & NEW RESOURCES

Brought to you by pro Pickleball player Will Howells and Franklin Sports!



The Pickleball Curriculum is an easy-to-use 8-week program designed for kids of all skill levels. Each session blends movement skills (balance, agility, hand-eye coordination) with teamwork, confidence, and fun. It is perfect for PE, after-school, or small groups.

Train for a 5K with Active Kids & Minds!



The Running Curriculum is built on the belief that every BODY is an athlete. Whether you’re brand new to running or already love it, this program celebrates the joy of moving together, being outside, and taking steps for both brain and body health. Just remember: forward is a pace. All you have to do is show up.

Back by Popular Demand!



The Monthly Calendars are here again. It is packed with quick icebreakers, mindfulness prompts, and team-building activities that teachers can weave into the school day. It’s an easy way to spark connection, movement, and fun with your students, all in just a few minutes.

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should tRECOGNIZING SUPERSTAR MOM & TEACHER

PARENT TIPS & TRICKS

WHY

TEACHER TESTIMONIALS



This is a wonderful video that speaks to the impact AK&M (BOKS) had on kids and schools. It makes you wonder WHY don't all schools have time for daily movement - it is the best.

Teachers are seeing the difference: Active Kids & Minds is helping students focus, feel confident, and discover the joy of movement right in their school day.

PARENT INFLUENCE

A recent study in BMC Pediatrics by Rodríguez-Rodríguez and colleagues found a clear link between how active parents are and how much physical activity their children engage in outside of school highlighting the powerful influence parents have in encouraging movement beyond the school day.

Charge your brain before the challenge. A quick burst of movement ignites BDNF—what Dr. Ratey calls ‘Miracle-Gro for the brain’—boosting focus, creativity, and mental readiness every time

· “Exercise is Miracle-Gro for the brain” ,it sparks BDNF, helping brains grow and learn.

· Just 20 minutes of movement can sharpen focus and boost learning.

· Exercise lifts mood, lowers stress, and builds resilience.

· Kids who move show better memory, attention, and self-control.

If you have any questions or need assistance, our support team is here to help: info@activekids.org.

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