Anticipatory sets are a wonderful tool to utilize in the classroom. I like starting everyday off with an anticipatory set of some kind. Whether its a bell work question, or a set of pictures, cartoons, reflection, journal, etc... Starting the day off with something small to get the kids engaged and moving in the right direction can make a huge difference in the success of your lessons, and your teaching overall.
Similar to anticipatory sets, exit slips are also a great tool to utilize. Informal and Formal check ups on your students can make a world of difference for you as an educator. Anything from ealking around and informally checking answers on worksheets, projects, etc.. to a formal exit slip being turned in at the end of class. This can really tell you where your students are at, and help you modify your instruction in order to better suit them. That is a resonsibikity of a teacher. Making their instruction fit their students, and not the other way around.