I recently lead a PD session on how teachers can use bell ringers to enhance their teaching, streamline instruction, or build student relationships. I spoke to teachers of all different subjects and levels, many of whom had different motives for using bellwork. I shared how bell ringers can be used in a variety of ways with different strategies.
I’ve included screenshots of bellwork that I’ve created or used in my classes. Some are things I created for examples, but any that are available for purchase will be linked by clicking on the image!
Use bell ringers for: Filling holes in the curriculum
One of my main reasons for using bellwork with my sophomores and AP Lit students is that I feel I never have time for it all. I hate teaching grammar as a standalone unit and often felt annoyed that my vocabulary instruction changed if I changed texts. Therefore, I isolated all my grammar and vocabulary instruction to daily bell ringers, with literary terms and nonfiction analysis thrown in the mix too. Even spending 5 minutes a week is better than a one-and-done unit, and my students’ vocabulary and grammar knowledge has grown immensely!
Use bell ringers for: Growing student relationships
Several teachers in my building do daily warm-ups in the form of icebreaker questions. These questions, which are usually not content-related, can help students settle into class and engage in a non-academic discussion. They’re great for getting to know your students in a low-risk way and builds their social-emotional skills.
Use bell ringers for: Getting students interested in your content
Another use for bellwork is to introduce content associated with your subject matter, but not necessarily info that will show up on a test. Some ideas for bell ringers like this include trivia, such as “On this day” events. Another fun idea is to get cross curricular and integrate fine arts into subjects like ELA or social studies. I like using photography and art whenever possible to pair with poetry. You can also encourage students to think beyond their grade level by presenting the next step in thinking, like when I ask AP Lang-related questions to my Honors sophomores.
Use bell ringers for: Reviewing older material and bridging gaps
Bellringers are extremely common in science in math because of their linear nature. Teachers need to ensure students understand the previous day’s material before they can move onto the next topic. This can apply to the humanities as well, especially with upperclassmen. Recall words they should know from earlier years with literary terms or crucial vocabulary with daily or weekly bellwork.
Use bell ringers to: Encourage critical thinking
Another popular introductory activity is reflective or journaling questions to get students thinking at the start of a lesson. Again, you could use photography or fine arts to introduce a concept. Another idea is to pose a simple question that introduces a bigger concept to come in the lesson.
Best Practices in using Bell Ringers:
- Use them consistently. Daily is best, but a consistent weekly plan also works. If they are used sporadically, students will see them as a chore and the practice will fall apart.
- Make your bellwork meaningful, useful, or engaging. Avoid simple writing tasks, like just writing a definition or copying words from a screen.
- Hold students accountable by making them worth a grade or building towards something. I give weekly quizzes for my ELA bellringers and my AP Lit literary terms include a reflective prompt. Even trivia and get-to-know-you questions can feed into extra credit opportunities.
