The reason we call it The First Five is pretty simple. We wanted to create a simple, intentional reminder that the first few minutes of class matter. Those few minutes set the tone for everything that follows. It’s like when you bump into someone at the grocery store. You don’t start the conversation with a list of things to do or a problem to solve. You start with something human. “Hey, how are you? How have things been?” It’s small talk, but it’s connection.
The same thing applies in classrooms. The first few minutes can create a sense of calm, connection, and readiness before diving into tasks and learning. But here’s something important to remember: it doesn’t have to be limited to those first five minutes. The First Five was never meant to be a rule. It’s more like a mindset.
Maybe it’s not the first five minutes of the day but the first five seconds. Maybe it’s just a quick smile or a moment of greeting that sets the tone. Maybe it’s a perfect fit during transitions, before lining up, on the way back from recess, or while shifting from group work to independent time. And maybe, for you, the best time for The First Five is actually The Last Five. Those final few minutes when students are tired, restless, or counting down the clock might be exactly when they need a reminder of connection, care, and calm.
So don’t let the name define when it’s used. You know your students better than anyone. You know when they need to laugh, breathe, or reset. Whether it’s the first five, the middle five, or the last five, we’ll keep showing up with fresh ways to make those moments count any time of day, any day of the week.
– Doug Overton