A "Do Now" activity is designed to get youngsters
to "settle down" at the beginning of class(es). The activity should
require them to get out pencils and materials that will be used in your
lesson. The task is usually written on the board and the students
are to start on it as soon as they enter class and go directly to their
seats. You might require that they answer some review questions from
yesterday's lesson. It might require some initial thoughts on some
questions that will prepare them to discuss the material in the lesson
today.
One teacher uses a "mental minute" at the beginning of
class (immediately after the bell rings to start the period). Students
are given a worksheet that they attempt to complete in one minute.
The teacher says "go" and students undertake the challenge. They
are quiet and focused for that first minute. The review of the sheet
leads into the topic of today's lesson.
You have one minute to list 5 words
that rhyme with "Orange".
GO!!