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Chapter 683 min read

Bell Ringers

By Vivek M Agarwal•About the Author

Activity illustration

At a Glance

  • Time: 2-3 minutes
  • Prep: Minimal (daily prompt)
  • Group: Individual
  • Setting: Any classroom
  • Subjects: Universal
  • Energy: Low

Purpose

Bell Ringers create a consistent routine that immediately engages students as they enter, activating prior knowledge while establishing a calm, focused start to class.

How It Works

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. DISPLAY PROMPT (before class) - Post question, problem, or task on board
  2. STUDENTS START (2 minutes) - Students begin working independently upon arrival
  3. BRIEF REVIEW (1 minute) - Quick discussion or check-in on responses

What to Say

Opening: "Welcome! Your bell ringer is on the board. Please begin as soon as you're settled."

During: "Keep working—you should be halfway done by now."

Closing: "Let's hear one interesting response. Who wants to share?"

Why It Works

Bell Ringers leverage the power of routines to maximize instructional time while activating the brain for learning. The predictability reduces transition time and anxiety, creating a productive classroom climate.

Research Citation: Wong & Wong, 2009 (The First Days of School)

Teacher Tip

Consistency is key. Use the exact same spot on the board and the same format every day so it becomes automatic for students.

Variations

For Different Subjects

  • Math/Science: "Solve this problem using yesterday's method"
  • Humanities: "Write 3 things you remember from last class"
  • Universal: "Review quiz: 5 questions from this week"

For Different Settings

  • Large Class (30+): Use projected timer; students hand in bell ringers as they leave
  • Small Group (5-15): More conversational check-in after individual work

For Different Ages

  • Elementary (K-5): Picture-based prompts; 1-2 minutes max
  • Middle/High School (6-12): Standard format with written response
  • College/Adult: More complex application questions

Online Adaptation

Tools Needed: LMS announcement, Google Form, or discussion board

Setup: Post bell ringer before class session

Instructions:

  1. Students see prompt when joining online class
  2. Submit via chat or form
  3. Review select responses to start discussion

Pro Tip: Create a template Google Form and just change the question daily—saves setup time.

Troubleshooting

Challenge: Students arrive at staggered times Solution: Make bell ringer a 5-minute window; early arrivals can deepen their response

Challenge: Takes too long to grade Solution: Bell ringers are formative—check for completion rather than grading for accuracy

Extension Ideas

  • Deepen: Once per week, have students explain their thinking process aloud
  • Connect: Keep a bell ringer journal and review it before tests
  • Follow-up: Use bell ringer data to group students for day's activities

Related Activities: Entry Tickets, Quick Write, What Do You Know About