Free SEL and Mindfulness Activities: Meet The First Five by Ed Tomorrow

The First Five is a game-changing free resource for building classroom connections.

Teachers are always looking for impactful and easy-to-use resources. That’s why The First Five from Ed Tomorrow is a game-changer. This free, daily email provides teachers with nine thoughtfully designed prompts that focus on building connection, care, and character within the classroom.

What is The First Five?

The First Five is more than just a resource; it’s a way to build community in your classroom. Delivered to your inbox every morning, it provides:

• Primary and Secondary Versions: Customized prompts for different grade levels.

• Nine Daily Prompts: Features check-ins, mindfulness activities, engaging questions, and fun, relatable memes. These prompts are aligned to the three pillars of the First Five - connect, care, and character.

• Flexible Usage: Incorporate it into morning meetings, transitions, or quick social-emotional learning (SEL) check-ins.

  
  

Why It Works

The beauty of The First Five lies in its simplicity and research-backed design. Each slide is carefully crafted to engage students, reduce stress, and encourage meaningful interactions. Teachers can choose what works best for their classroom, from self-care check-ins to character-building activities.

Key Benefits

1. Builds Connection: Strengthens relationships with students and fosters a sense of belonging.

2. Saves Time: No preparation is needed—simply choose a prompt and get started!

3. Flexible and Inclusive: Easily integrates into any classroom routine or social-emotional learning (SEL) program.

4. Research-Based: Based on restorative practices and proven to help reduce anxiety.

   
   

Teacher-Tested Strategies

Emily Maker, a content creator for Ed Tomorrow, shared some creative ways teachers are utilizing "The First Five" approach:

1. Morning Check-Ins: Teachers can assess students' energy levels or emotions using engaging visuals, such as Patrick Mahomes' facial expressions.

2. Mindfulness Prompts: These prompts encourage students to pause, breathe, and refocus, helping to alleviate stress caused by digital overstimulation.

3. Meme Activities: Teachers can incorporate memes to foster humor and a sense of community while connecting with students’ digital culture.

Get Started Today

Are you ready to transform your classroom? Sign up for The First Five at EdTomorrow.com and start receiving prompts tomorrow. You can also head over to EdTomorrow.com and check out today's First Five. It’s free, flexible, and designed to help you connect with your students on a deeper level. Also, its user-friendly interface makes it easy to use. Let The First Five do the heavy lifting so you can focus on what truly matters: inspiring and supporting your students.

Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich

Do you want to keep the conversation going beyond the podcast? You can connect with Dr. Sam Fecich online for more resources, inspiration, and support tailored for future educators and teachers.

• Visit Dr. Sam’s website for podcast episodes, blog posts, freebies, and more tools to empower your teaching journey.

• Follow Dr. Sam on Instagram @sfecich for daily teaching tips, classroom inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at her work.

• Join her on BlueSky: sfecich.bsky.social to explore more ideas and engage in thoughtful discussions about education and technology.

Dr. Sam loves hearing from her listeners, so don’t hesitate to reach out and share how you’re using her resources in your teaching!

Have you tried The First Five? Share your experience in the comments below or tag Dr. Sam on Instagram!