Brain Waves Instruction: 5 Fresh Ideas for Starting Any Lesson - Easy Warm-Ups and Activities for the Start of Any Class Period

As teachers, setting the tone at the beginning of each class is crucial. A strong start not only engages students but also reinforces essential skills and establishes a productive routine. With this in mind, here are five fresh ideas for starting any lesson that align with key goals:

✅ Students can complete activities independently as they arrive in class.
✅ Students review and practice critical skills.
✅ Little preparation is required.
✅ Easy way to establish a routine.
✅ Engage students and get them ready to learn.

1. Vocabulary: Word of the Day

Why not kick off each class with a "Word of the Day"? Research shows that regular exposure to new vocabulary enhances reading comprehension and overall language proficiency. You could post a word on the board and have students record it in a year-long glossary, then challenge them to use it in a creative sentence. For a more interactive approach, engage students with daily doodle vocabulary activities. These not only introduce challenging vocabulary but also allow students to express their understanding creatively.

The doodle tasks are especially effective because they engage both sides of the brain—promoting creativity and reinforcing the meaning of the words. At the end of each week, students can write a paragraph using the words they've learned, ensuring they practice contextual usage and improve their writing skills. This daily practice exposes students to a wide range of vocabulary and helps them develop the habit of writing consistently. Grab grades 3-5 here and grades 6-8 here.

2. ELA Warm-Ups

Get students locked into learning with a daily ELA warm-up. A simple yet effective strategy is to display a sentence filled with errors and have students correct it by rewriting a new, accurate version. This not only sharpens their grammar skills but also sets a focused tone for the lesson ahead.

For something more dynamic, try using a year-long set of "This or That" warm-ups. Each warm-up includes a quick review of an ELA skill—whether it's grammar, reading, writing, or mechanics—and offers students a choice between two tasks. They can choose to complete the "this" or the "that" task, which adds an element of choice and differentiation to your instruction. This approach not only engages students but also allows them to work at their own pace and ability level. Check it out here.

3. Mindfulness Activities

Studies have shown that incorporating mindfulness into the classroom can improve students' focus, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Given these benefits, starting each class with a mindfulness activity makes perfect sense. You could begin with a simple mindfulness quote, followed by a brief discussion. This not only calms the classroom atmosphere but also prepares students mentally for the lesson ahead.

Mindfulness activities help students transition from the chaos of their day to a focused learning environment. This small practice can make a big difference in how students engage with the material.

If you'd like me to send you a free set of 24 mindfulness quotes and the materials to make a container, add your name and email address at this link.

4. Brain Burst Challenge

It's important to challenge students' thinking right from the start of class. Engaging them with a Brain Burst challenge—a brain teaser or logic puzzle—stimulates critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Research suggests that brain teasers improve cognitive flexibility and mental agility, making them a perfect warm-up for any lesson.

You can find a variety of brain teasers online or streamline your planning with a ready-made collection of Brain Bursts. These challenges require zero prep and get students' brains buzzing with activity. Simply present the challenge and watch your students dive into the task. Find set one of Brain Bursts here.

5. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Activities

We know that teaching social-emotional skills is essential, but finding time to incorporate them into daily instruction can be challenging. That’s why starting your class with an SEL activity is a great idea. A set of "This or That" SEL activities can help you meet two goals at once: teaching critical social-emotional skills and getting students engaged in learning right away.

These activities are designed to be quick and impactful, providing students with opportunities to reflect on their emotions, relationships, and decision-making skills while preparing them for the day's lesson. Find 20 paper and digital SEL activities here.

Bonus Idea: Choice Boards

As a bonus, consider using choice boards to give students control over how they start the class period. You can download a set of 5 different choice boards for FREE here. This approach not only engages students but also fosters independence and self-regulation.

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Starting each lesson with these fresh ideas will help you create a classroom environment where students are engaged, focused, and ready to learn. Plus, these activities require minimal prep and can easily become a part of your daily routine, making them a win-win for both you and your students.

Find the ideas shared in this blog post here:

Daily Doodle Vocabulary - All Year Long!

120 ELA Warm-Ups - This or That

FREE Mindfulness Quotes and Finger Labyrinths - Blog post

Brain Bursts - Fun and Creative Activities

Social-Emotional Activities - This or That

5 Free Choice Boards

Thanks for stopping by!

Mary Beth