Today’s First Five:

This game is designed to encourage quick thinking, active participation, and collaboration among students. By working against the clock, students practice concise communication while engaging with their peers in a fun and interactive way. Rotating groups ensure that everyone gets a chance to share ideas and connect with different classmates, fostering a dynamic and inclusive classroom environment.

Step 1: Form Small Groups and Set Up

Organize the class into small groups of 4-5 students. Each group should form a small circle or sit around a table, ensuring everyone can see each other. Provide each group with a small item like a ball, eraser, or any small object to serve as the “talking piece.”

Step 2: Explain the Time Challenge

Tell the students that they have a set time (e.g., 1-2 minutes) to go around the group and each person must share their answer before time runs out. Emphasize that they should keep their responses short and on-topic, passing the talking piece to the next person after they finish speaking.

Step 3: Start the Timer and Share

Start the timer and let the first group member share their answer. They then pass the talking piece to the next person, and the process continues until all group members have spoken, or the timer buzzes. If the timer runs out before everyone shares, encourage the group to try again to beat the clock!

Step 4: Rotate Groups and Repeat

After each round, have students move to a different group, if possible, and repeat the process with a new question. This rotation allows students to connect with different classmates while maintaining the excitement of the time challenge.