Specific Lesson Starter Strategies
Start with vocabulary – Post several words and let students guess the topic;
Try the whiteboard purge – Invite the entire class to write everything that they know about a new topic until the blackboard/whiteboard is full. Then asked for students to elaborate on their notes and take the time to correct misconceptions;
Start with video – Show a YouTube clip related to the topic. For example, explainers and author interview trailers;
Incomplete diagram – Provide a diagram with labels removed. Have learners try to guess as many parts as they can before turning the sheet over and viewing the answers;
Tell a story – Read or tell a story related to the topic. Students will become even more engaged if the story is a cliffhanger that you wait until the end of class to finish;
According to Online PD, the following components are useful in engaging students at the beginning of class: A) capture student interest, B) explain what will be learned, C) explain why it matters, D) relate the topic to previous knowledge, and E) tell how the lesson will unfold.