The precious first minutes of class
The traditional scene is familiar: Students enter class as we announce, “Your warm-up is on the board,” followed by the usual mix of supplies and various requests. But in today’s educational landscape, we can do better with these precious minutes of exposure.
Why opening minutes are important
- Maximum cognitive preparation
- Privileged moment for memory formation
- Critical Window to Establish Engagement
- Opportunity to develop classroom culture
- Set the tone for deep learning
Modern Strategies for Class Openings
1. Facts and lies
Create facts and lies about the upcoming topic on strips of paper. In groups, students discuss each of these elements and separate into piles. For example, if students need to learn about the desert, one group might say, “Deserts are always hot.” Another: “Desert animals often have long periods of dormancy to survive. » As students learn about the deserts, they rethink their facts and lies by repositioning the tapes. Are the group’s answers correct?
In math, the fact and lie strips might say, “0.61 is greater than 0.064” or “There is no number between 5.4 and 5.5.” Facts and lies make math discussions easier.
2. Investigation
It’s hard to beat polls to answer the question, “What does this have to do with me?” » About to embark on a government unit? A short survey in which students answer questions about driver’s licenses, voting, marriage requirements, and more. can involve every student.
Approach a piece of text about a character in a difficult situation? The survey questions focus on how students could handle these situations. Students are more likely to be motivated to read when there is a personal connection to the text. Now they’re wondering, “Hmmm, I wonder how the character is going to get out of this mess?” (Before the survey, students were probably thinking about lunch.)
3. Question cards
Distribute cards to groups with “What?” WHO? When? How? and where? written on the cards. Students “play” their cards by creating questions on the topic.
For example, if the upcoming lesson is about snails, a student might ask, “Why are snails so slimy?” »
More Strategies for Starting Classes
- Digital recordings (2-3 minutes)
- Use tools like Mentimeter or Padlet for quick emotional temperature checks
- Last class digital exit tickets now become entry points
- QR codes that lead to thought-provoking prompts
- Micro-discussions (3-4 minutes)
- Think-Pair-Share with targeted incentives
- “Silent Conversation” boards (physical or digital)
- Random topic generators linked to learning objectives
- Learning Overview Activities
- Interactive concept maps
- Prediction Challenges
- Real-world problem scenarios
- Connection generators
- Questions of personal relevance
- Links to news
- Interdisciplinary Connections
Checklist for success
- Does this activate prior knowledge?
- Is it accessible to all learners?
- Is this related to today’s learning objectives?
- Can it be completed in 3-5 minutes?
- Does this encourage student action?
- Is there digital/analogue flexibility?
Implementation Tips
- Prepare systems before students enter
- Use visually displayed timers
- Create consistent routines while varying the content
- Include options for individual and collaborative engagement
- Integrate student choice when possible
Design early lesson activities that meet multiple goals: engagement, assessment, community building, and content overview, while maintaining effective classroom management. When done well, these first few minutes build momentum that continues throughout the lesson.
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