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Edtomorrow Daily Brain Games
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You Deserve ALL the Golden Eggs!
Author: Sarah Nunn
Date: April 17th, 2025
If you could find the golden egg in an Easter egg hunt, what would you hope to find inside? A magically quiet class? A perfectly aligned lesson plan? Or maybe just a working copier and five minutes of peace? Whatever it is, we hope you find something that fills your cup this week, whether it's laughter, a little break, or an extra piece of chocolate you don’t have to share. To all our hardworking educators, you deserve ALL the golden eggs!
The Gratitude M&M Game: A Fun and Colorful Check-In
Author: John Whalen
Date: April 16th, 2025
Looking for an easy and engaging way to bring gratitude into your classroom? Try the Gratitude M&M Game! This simple activity sparks reflection and conversation while making gratitude a little more sweet.
How It Works:
Students randomly grab two or three M&Ms (or Skittles for the chocolate-averse). Each color represents a different category of gratitude. Based on the colors they receive, they’ll share something they’re thankful for in that category.
Color Guide:
🔴 Red – A person you are grateful for (friend, family, teacher, coach, etc.)
🟠 Orange – A place you are grateful for (home, park, vacation spot, favorite store)
🟡 Yellow – A food you love (your go-to comfort food, snack, or meal)
🟢 Green – An experience you’re thankful for (a fun trip, a holiday, a great memory)
🔵 Blue – An item you appreciate (a book, a gift, a favorite hoodie, technology)
🟣 Purple – A personal strength you’re grateful for (kindness, creativity, determination)
How to Play:
Distribute M&Ms – Have students randomly grab two or three M&Ms. (No trading!)
Match to Categories – Use the color guide to determine what they’ll share.
Reflect & Share – Go around the room and have students share their gratitude based on their colors. This can be done in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class.
Optional Twist:
If you want to make it even more engaging, allow students to trade one M&M with a neighbor for a category they’re excited to share about!
Why It Works:
Encourages gratitude in a fun, low-pressure way
Builds classroom community through sharing
Gives students a structured way to reflect on the positives in their lives
Try it out and bring some gratitude into your classroom this week. What’s one thing you’re grateful for today?
Join Us Virtually This July!
Author: Edtomorrow Team
Date: April 15th, 2025
If you love The First Five, you’ll love our summer PD opportunities even more. These sessions are designed with the same heart, humor, and practicality you count on each morning, only now, we’re going deeper and giving you the tools to bring that energy to your entire classroom or school.
Better yet, if your school or organization registers four people for any one of these trainings, they will get a fifth registration free! This offer expires April 30th.
Check out all the dates, session topics, and registration details here:
edtomorrow.regfox.com/summer-2025-events
We’d love to see you this summer!
In a Pinch Activity: What's Going On?
Author: John Whalen
Date: April 14th, 2025
This fun, fast-paced game was shared with us by a teacher in Pennsylvania, and we couldn’t wait to pass it along! "What’s Going On?" is an easy, high-energy activity that gets students thinking on their feet, building creativity, and working on quick decision-making—all while having a blast. It’s a perfect way to wake up a sleepy class, break the ice, or just bring some laughter into the room!
How to Play:
1. Circle Up – Have students stand in a large circle. One person starts in the center, miming an action (e.g., pretending to tie their shoe).
2. Ask the Question – Another student steps into the center and asks, "What are you doing?"
3. The Unexpected Answer – The first student MUST NOT say what they’re actually doing. Instead, they must make something up (e.g., “I’m flying a kite!”).
4. Act It Out – The first student exits, and the second student now acts out flying a kite—until a new student steps in and asks, "What are you doing?"
5. Keep It Going – The game continues, with each new participant giving a completely different answer (no repeats!) and acting it out.
Tips for Maximum Engagement:
✔ Encourage wild creativity! – The sillier, the better. Think: "I’m juggling flaming torches!" instead of "I’m eating lunch."
✔ Keep it snappy – If a student gets stuck, let them pass and bring in a new player.
✔ No repeats! – Challenge students to think fast and come up with something fresh each time.
✔ Use a timer for speed rounds – Set a 30-second limit per round to keep the energy high.
✔ Make it a warm-up – This game is perfect before a lesson, during a brain break, or as a quick way to energize the class.
Try it out and watch your students light up with laughter while sharpening their thinking, movement, and improvisation skills—all in just a few minutes!
National Pet Day
Author: Sarah Nunn
Date: April 11th, 2025
If you’ve ever wished you could bring your dog for moral support during IEP meetings or testing season, we support that. Honestly, anyone carrying data, snacks, and emotional baggage (all in one tiny metaphorical backpack) deserves a treat. And maybe a nap. Whether you're knee-deep in progress reports, test prep, or just trying to remember what day it is, hang in there, team. You’re doing important work.