Don’t Eat the Marshmallow | First day activities

This is a wildly popular first day of school activity. This lesson begins with handing students a marshmallow and telling them if they wait until after the presentation on classroom procedures they can have a second one. Whether they eat it or wait is their choice. I have included a template PowerPoint and google slide deck that includes all of the necessary beginning of the year procedures that need to be taught to students. After the presentation give them an extra marshmallow if they still have their original. Then watch the TED video Joachim de Posada: Don't eat the marshmallow! (6 min). Link is included. This is a very amusing video that will have all your kids laughing and comparing themselves to the children in the video. After the video is time to discuss the importance of self regulation and delayed gratification. I use the basis of this discussion throughout the year. Kids will often make comments about being a marshmallow eater or resister even after spring break! Discussion question cards are included.