This might be the most common question we get from new subscribers and new teachers:
“What’s the best way to use the First Five?”
The answer?
Whatever way works best for your classroom.
I know… that’s not very helpful on its own. So let’s break it down a bit.
We’ve seen the First Five’s free, daily curated content used in so many unique ways as we’ve coached educators in how to Thrive with the First Five. Many of you have also shared how you use it in your own classrooms. The key is this: just pick one activity that works for you. You do not need to use the entire set of curated content we send each day.
Some teachers have a full 20-minute advisory or morning meeting block and choose to use multiple activities. That’s great. Others have just a few minutes at the start of class and go with a single check-in or quote. That works too.
It’s meant to be flexible.
We designed these activities to take a minimal amount of time while still making a meaningful impact on your classroom culture.
Many teachers also use the First Five throughout the day for quick brain breaks, reflection moments, or even as smooth transitions between subjects or class periods. It doesn’t have to be confined to the morning. The tools are there when you need them.
Here are a few things that can make it even easier:
Some teachers copy or save the activity and drop it into their daily Google Slides
Others pull up the site and display it directly from the webpage
You can click fullscreen to enlarge the activity, or duplicate your browser tab to toggle between two activities if you want a backup ready to go
One of the best tips we can offer is to share as the teacher.
Your students are often most excited to learn about you. So whether it’s a quote, a meme, or a check-in question, answer it right alongside them.
As our wise team member Denise “Circlemamma” Holliday always says:
“How do you repair a relationship if there’s no relationship to begin with?”
Use the First Five to build those relationships now, early and often. That way, when it’s time to push your students academically, or when a tough conversation needs to happen, you’ve already laid the groundwork for trust.
That’s the heart of the First Five. It’s not about doing it “right.” It’s about starting each day, and continuing each day, with connection.
-Edtomorrow Team