The First Five was created for teachers all over the world to help build connection, care, and character in their classrooms. Every day, we design activities, questions, and ideas meant to make those first few minutes of class meaningful and intentional. But if you really want to see The First Five come alive, try handing it over to your students.
Let them lead. Let them pick the quote, the question, or their favorite Quick Connect, and have them facilitate the class. It might sound small, but something powerful happens when students take ownership. A student-led First Five naturally creates more buy-in because it feels like theirs. It becomes something they do with each other, not something done to them.
And beyond connection, it teaches something even bigger. Leadership. Collaboration. Confidence. When students lead, they practice the same skills we hope they carry with them beyond the classroom. Yes, it might be messy at first. It might not sound polished or go exactly as you would have led it. But that’s okay. Growth never starts perfect.
When we give students a chance to lead, we create space for them to surprise us. You never know who might step up, who might find their voice, or who might realize that they love leading others. Sometimes the most meaningful moments in our classrooms come when we simply step aside and let them shine.
– Edtomorrow Team