Every lesson should open with a starter activity. Beyond that, no prescription is made for the length or nature of the starter.
Starter activities have a number of uses
They occupy the class while the teacher logs in, takes the register and sets up for the main part of the lesson.
Starters can be used to promote the recall of material from previous lessons.
They can be used to set focus and expectations for the lesson to come.
A quiet activity requiring concentration can help to put an excitable class into a calmer mood that is more receptive to learning.
Or, in the reverse instance, a game or quiz can often revive a flagging class, especially towards the end of the day.
Summarise the last lesson in 3 sentences that contain at least 3 keywords.
Write a list of keywords from the last lesson (minimum of 3) and give a definition for each one.
Complete a word search (paper printouts or perhaps an online document).
Find the errors in a passage of text.
Solve anagrams based on subject vocabulary.
Quickfire essay starter - make an essay plan based on a question or prompt.
Write down 3 questions based on the previous lesson.
Write an explanation of the last lesson that could be understood by a 6 year old.
Use a dictionary to define the terms shown.
Read for 5 or 10 minutes from library book, subject textbook or activity instructions.
Complete a spelling test.
Analyse or discuss a picture on the board, or use it to write down a prediction about today's lesson.
Write down the lesson title and learning objectives on the board.
Maths games - 24 or Countdown.
Find the errors in a mathematical problem or set of mathematical equations.
Complete a worksheet containing 5 questions taken from other parts of the course.
Watch a Youtube video (with headphones) about a topic for today's lesson.