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The initial moments of a class are crucial in establishing the atmosphere for the entire lesson. How can you effectively engage your students and prepare them for learning from the get-go? Often referred to as morning bell ringers, do nows, or warm-ups, these introductory activities have various names but serve a common goal: to activate students’ minds the instant they enter your classroom. Below are some bell ringer questions that you can use directly or modify for your specific needs.
Creative and Critical Thinking Questions
Jump-start your students’ creativity and critical thought with bell ringer questions and prompts designed to stimulate innovative thinking. Consider asking students to reflect on a thought-provoking quote, brainstorm solutions to a pressing issue, invent a new piece of technology, or engage with challenging “would you rather” scenarios. By initiating class with higher-order thinking questions, your students will be primed to tackle any learning challenge that comes their way.
Here are some deep-thinking questions suitable for high school journal prompts:
- Do differences make the world stronger or weaker as a collective?
- Is this class preparing you for your future? Why or why not?
- Are people inherently morally gray, or is it only a select few?
- What should be the ultimate goal of humanity’s existence?
- Should we prioritize logic over intuition and emotion in decision-making?
- What steps would you take to reduce homelessness?
- Propose a creative solution to address child hunger.
- What do you envision as the most efficient mode of transportation in 50 years?
Morning Work Journal or Bell Ringers | Think It Through for Critical Thinking
By Teaching With a Mountain View
Grades: 4th-8th
Subject: Creative Writing
This resource includes 45 weeks of activities designed to engage, enrich, and expand your students’ creative, critical, and reflective thinking. This comprehensive journal is ideal for morning work or early finishers, featuring weekly activities from August through June.
SEL Prompts and Bell Ringer Questions
Incorporating social-emotional learning (SEL) is vital for student success, yet finding time in a packed school day can be challenging. Why not utilize those first few moments of class to foster SEL? Assigning daily check-ins or SEL activities as bell ringers can prepare students mentally and emotionally for the learning ahead. You might also consider integrating these into a “question of the day” format for high school students.
Here are some SEL-focused questions for students to ponder as class begins:
- What unique aspect of your life brings you joy?
- What calming tool would be most beneficial for you?
- Describe a kind act you performed in the last 24 hours.
- What distractions might affect your attention in class today?
- Recall the last time you made a new friend.
- How would you differentiate between anger and frustration?
- Assign a color to each emotion (happy, sad, mad, guilty, loving) and explain your choices.
Growth Mindset Bell Ringers | 40 SEL Writing Prompts For Any Subject | Volume 2
By Mister Harms
Not Grade Specific
Standards: CCSS RF.3.4a, 4.4a, 5.4a; W.3.1, 3.4, 3.10, 4.1, 4.4, 4.10, 5.1, 5.10, 6.1, 6.4, 6.4, 6.10, 7.1
This set of growth mindset bell ringers is fully editable and encourages class discussions or individual writing. The prompts are engaging and thought-provoking, making them perfect for social-emotional learning.
Brain Teasers and Logic Puzzles to Use as Bell Ringer Questions
Challenge your students to engage their brains right from the start with brain teasers and logic puzzles. Present a tricky riddle, a rebus puzzle, or a logic game as a fun, interactive way for students to begin thinking critically. You could even promote teamwork by having them work in pairs or groups to solve the puzzles.
Brain Teaser Bell Ringers | Digital Math Morning Work | Logic Puzzles
By Acres of Learning
Grades: 4th-7th
Subject: Math Test Prep
This collection of 50 self-checking brain teasers can serve as effective bell ringers to help students focus during your morning routine or be assigned in Google Classroom for quick finishers.
Assign an Article of the Day or Week as a Bell Ringer
Assigning an article of the day or week is a straightforward method to incorporate reading comprehension and relevant content into your bell ringer activities. Regardless of the subject you teach — be it social studies, math, music, or science — you can introduce thought-provoking articles and passages that will enhance students’ curiosity and comprehension abilities.
Strange Geography Article of the Day-Bellringers-Reading Comprehension Passages
By Think Tank
Grades: 6th-9th
Subjects: Close Reading, Informational Text, Geography
Standards: CCSS RI.5.4, 5.7, 5.10
This resource offers 21 intriguing geography tidbits and bell ringers, providing students with opportunities to practice close reading skills while making logical inferences and searching for textual evidence.
Use Concept Review Activities as Bell Ringers
The first few minutes of class are also an excellent time to review key concepts and skills that align with CCSS. Whether you want to revisit the previous day’s lessons or circle back to previously taught material, dedicating a little time each day for review can help solidify those essential concepts. Consider differentiating your bell ringer topics and activities based on your students’ individual needs.
MUSIC VOCAB 10 Minute Terms | Music Bellringers | Secondary Music Vocabulary
By Sarah Stockton Resources
Grades: 6th-12th
Subjects: Instrumental Music, Vocal Music
This resource can be utilized over 30 days or grouped into six extended vocabulary units, making it suitable for band, choir, or orchestra classes.
BACK TO SCHOOL FULL YEAR ALGEBRA 1 WARM UPS Bundle | Bell Ringers | Exit Tickets
By Algebra Accents
Grades: 7th-10th
Subject: Algebra
This comprehensive bundle contains over 200 algebra problems designed to support the Algebra 1 curriculum throughout the school year, with no preparation required.
Make Every Minute of Class Count with TPT
With these bell ringer ideas, questions, and activities at your disposal, you are well-equipped to kick off your lessons with enthusiasm. If you seek additional inspiration, don’t forget to explore other bell ringer resources on TPT.
