Gripping Lesson Openers

Use a fun and engaging opener to introduce your objective and/or key points for the day (on those days when given your objective or time constraints, you are struggling to come up with an engaging, aligned lesson hook). Example: AIM FOR THE OBJECTIVE bow-and-arrow opener.  

Here's how:

1) Publicly post your lesson objectives.

2) Project/post/draw a target on the board by the objectives.

3) Teacher says: "ALRIGHT SCHOLARS, today we're keeping our eyes on the prize! Our class big goal is to reach 80% mastery on every objective but today's lesson is absolutely vital to your success in high school/college and beyond! I want to see 100% mastery! To start class we need to take aim at our objective so please stand up silently by your desk. [students all stand] Now please take out your bow. (Show students how to mime a bow.) Now please remove one arrow from your quiver. (Show them how to "take out" an arrow.) Place the end of your arrow on the cord of your bow and draw it back like this. [show class] [observing students] Excellent work! And finally, [student name] I need you to make a twaanganggangggggggg sound when our arrow strikes the objectives, immediately after the class fires! Alright class, bow strings back and 3, 2, 1 FIRE! ["Twaanngaannngannggaanngg!"] Amazing! A direct hit! Everyone silently in your seats in 3! 2! 1! and zero! Excellent, silent class!** Hands up to read the first objective! [hands shoot up, teacher selects a student] etc.

 *Like everything in teaching, excessive repetition leads to boredom and renders your awesome class systems lame and corny in the eyes of students when overdone. Vary what you do day by day.

** If students struggle to follow directions throughout the activity they may be removed an asked not to take part in the opener, but instead to re-enter when the lesson begins. If students continue talking or making noise even a milisecond after you reach "zero" following the post-activity countdown make sure to implement a consequence (official warning/movement on the consequence ladder, etc.). Students need to learn that it's possible for the whole class to have a blast but for that excitement and energy to be immediately channeled to the lesson content moments later. The added fun and excitement is meant to contribute to engagement, not inspire chaos.