Today’s First Five:
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And the Winner Is...
Author: Edtomorrow Team
Date: May 9th, 2025
We’ve been blown away by all the love and creativity you shared during Teacher Appreciation Week. Your social media shoutouts brought smiles to our entire team, and we’re so grateful to be part of your day.
Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for...
The winners of our Classroom Circles book and $100 gift cards are:
Whatsuplc on Instagram
Missvowel on Instagram
Elizabeth Paskert on X
Congratulations! We’ll be reaching out to get your prizes sent your way.
To everyone who participated and celebrated with us this week, thank you. The work you do matters. The heart you bring matters. And we’re honored to support you however we can, this week and every week.
One Last Reminder:
Today is your last chance to use the code WELOVETEACHERS for $50 off our virtual summer PD. These live sessions are built to give you practical tools, meaningful connection, and the energy to start next year strong.
Don't miss out. Offer ends tonight.
Spotlight on Richland Elementary: First Five in Action
Author: John Whalen
Date: May 8th, 2025
We love hearing how schools are bringing The First Five to life, and today we’re giving a special shoutout to Richland Elementary School in Quakertown, PA.
This year, Richland has fully embraced The First Five as part of their daily Caring School Community (CSC) time. Each classroom begins the day with The First Five visuals and prompts, building a consistent routine that centers on connection, reflection, and belonging.
Liz Coyle, a proud member of the Richland team, reached out to share how their school is using The First Five to strengthen relationships and classroom community. Their team even created a beautiful slideshow to showcase the impact it's having on their amazing educators and students.
Check it out here:
Richland’s First Five Showcase
Thank you to Liz and the incredible community at Richland Elementary for inspiring us. You’re showing what it looks like when connection becomes a daily practice.
Want your school to be featured? We’d love to hear your story!
Midweek Reminder: $50 Off Virtual PD + Giveaway Still Open
Author: Edtomorrow Team
Date: May 7th, 2025
It’s Wednesday, and we’re halfway through Teacher Appreciation Week. If you haven’t grabbed your spot for our virtual summer PD, now is the time!
We’re offering $50 off all week for our live virtual sessions this July, designed to give you real tools, fresh inspiration, and the kind of connection that lasts beyond the summer. Use code WELOVETEACHERS at checkout. Offer ends Friday, May 9.
This is the perfect way to recharge, reflect, and head into the next school year feeling more equipped and less overwhelmed.
And don’t forget, our giveaway is still open too.
If you post about The First Five on social media and tag us by Friday, you’ll be entered to win a free copy of Classroom Circles and a $100 gift card. Whether it's a favorite quote, a classroom moment, or a quick shoutout, we’d love to see how you're using it.
Tag us here:
Let’s finish Teacher Appreciation Week strong. You deserve it!
First Five Facilitation Tip by John Whalen: What Are Some Strategies to Create Trust Within Our Class When Sharing Questions, Check-Ins, or Ideas?
Author: John Whalen
Date: May 6th, 2025
Teachers often tell me they struggle to get students to open up during check-ins, Quick Connects, or discussions. My first question back is usually: Are you sharing with them?
Students are far more likely to engage when they see that you’re willing to do the same. Being intentional about sharing small pieces of your life, like your experiences, values, or even how you're feeling that day, helps set the tone. When students see you being real, they feel safer doing the same.
I’ve seen it happen firsthand. In a new group, I once shared a personal story about a challenge I overcame. That one moment of vulnerability shifted the entire atmosphere. Students who had been hesitant suddenly felt more comfortable, and the depth of their responses changed.
That said, not every student will open up right away, and that’s okay. Some need more time to develop trust. You’ll always have a few students who listen but don’t share much at first. The key is to let them engage at their own pace without pressure.
Ways to Build Trust Over Time:
Model the type of sharing you hope to see. Be open about your thoughts, but keep it authentic and appropriate for your students.
Respect different comfort levels. Not every student will feel ready to share right away, so give them time.
Create a predictable routine. When students know what to expect, they feel safer participating.
Acknowledge participation without forcing it. A simple “Thanks for sharing” goes a long way.
Trust isn’t built in a single conversation. It’s developed through consistency, respect, and the example you set. Keep showing up, and students will, too.
To All the Teachers: We See You, We Appreciate You, and We’ve Got Something Special for You
Author: Edtomorrow Team
Date: May 5th, 2025
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and we’re kicking things off with one big message:
WE LOVE TEACHERS!
Not in a vague, “you’re amazing” kind of way (even though, yes, you are). We mean it in the real, boots-on-the-ground, stayed-late-again, poured-your-whole-heart-into-it kind of way. You show up for your students day after day, and this week, we’re showing up for you in two ways:
1) Enjoy $50 Off Our Virtual Summer PD!
Join us this summer for a virtual professional development experience focused on connection, engagement, and real-world tools you can actually use. Use code: WELOVETEACHERS at checkout to get $50 off all week long. Offer ends Friday, May 9.
2) $100 Raffle for Following & Sharing the First Five on Socials
Want a free copy of Classroom Circles and a $100 gift card? Just post about Edtomorrow or The First Five on social media this week and tag us. Share how you're using it, help friends or colleagues get signed up, or post a photo or video of your students engaging with The First Five.
Don't forget to tag us here:
We’ll randomly select 3 lucky winners on Friday, May 9th! The more you post about the First Five, the more chances you have to win!
You’ve earned the appreciation. You’ve earned the celebration. And this week, you’ve earned a little something extra too.
From all of us at Edtomorrow, thank you for bringing heart, humor, and hope into your students’ lives each day.