Daily Bellringer Ideas and Examples

A bellringer is an activity or mini-assessment that students complete when they first enter the classroom.

Bellringers consist of questions related to the concepts or lessons taught or discussed in class. They are generally very short, around 5 minutes, and prompt reflection on prior learning and guide concepts for the class ahead.

• Enhancing student engagement: by providing an engaging and thought-provoking activity at the beginning of the class, daily bellringers capture students' attention, stimulating their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
• Activating prior knowledge: bellringers serve as a quick review of previously taught material, helping students recall information, make connections, and activate their prior knowledge, which sets the stage for new learning.
• Establishing routine and structure: consistent use of daily bellringers creates a sense of routine and structure in the classroom, allowing students to feel more comfortable and prepared for the day's lessons.
• Building critical thinking skills: well-designed bellringer questions encourage students to think critically, analyze information, and apply problem-solving strategies, fostering their cognitive abilities.
• Fostering classroom community: by encouraging students to share their responses or work collaboratively during bellringer activities, a positive and inclusive classroom environment can be nurtured.
• Low-stakes assessment of understanding: teachers can gauge the level of understanding of concepts to guide the upcoming lessons

• Set clear objectives: determine the learning goals and outcomes you want to achieve through the bellringer activity, ensuring they align with the overall lesson plan.
• Keep it brief: bellringer activities should be concise, taking no more than 5-10 minutes to complete, allowing sufficient time for the main lesson.
• Vary the format: experiment with different question types, such as multiple-choice, open-ended, or visual prompts, to cater to diverse learning styles and interests.
• Provide feedback: after students complete the bellringer, offer timely feedback or facilitate a class discussion to reinforce correct answers, clarify misconceptions, and promote deeper understanding.
• Embed into your teaching routine: creating a regular routine of bell-ringers allows a habit for students to expect a bell-ringer on arrival and settle into the lesson faster.