Rules for Bell Work
-
Keep it simple. You should not have to write more
than a simple instruction on the board to have the
students get busy.
-
Use review as Bell Work.
Primary Examples:
Early in the year, your students may not be able to read,
but you can point them to an activity as they enter the
classroom.
-
Activity Tubs: Have tubs of any kind of material
for them to sort. Let each student decide if they
are sorting by color, by shape, etc. They can work
as individuals or in groups.
-
Coloring Tubs: Draw a picture of _______ (make it
specific).
-
Activity areas: Most kindergarten teachers have activity
areas such as a block area or play kitchen that you
already use for activities, letting the children chose
the area they want to explore. Use these same areas
and activities for Bell Work. The idea is that they
are given something to do. The classroom is a place
for doing.
Elementary Examples:
Have these posted on the board before they come in the
room.
-
Use the following three words in complete sentences:_____,
_____, _____
(Don't forget capitals and periods.)
-
The teacher may choose words from spelling, science,
math, or social studies - whatever you wish them to
review.
-
Using the lesson plan from chart number 4, work the
following math problem:
-
Put in one problem from last night's homework or
one similar to it.
-
Use your best printing (handwriting) to write the
following sentence:_____
I've seen teachers use lines of poems, Shakespeare,
or a line from Ben Franklin. Write all of the times
tables from 1 x 3 to 12 x 3 with their answers.
John Ketchem of Payson, AZ told us of a teacher in his
school whose 4th graders always scored the highest in
the district in geography. Her daily Bell Work: She simply
had the Student of the Day use a pointer with the map
in front of the room. It was what we have come to think
of as the "old fashion repeat after me" ploy. It worked.
The kids loved to use the pointer and they loved to say
the states, capitols, etc. and they learned them.
Language Class Examples:
-
Write out the conjugation for this regular verb:_____
(Or irregular verb as the case may be ) They can never
practice these enough. If you are worried about them
doing it correctly, have them copy the conjugation
for the verb instead of guessing.
-
Use the following word in a complete sentence:_____
-
Have pictures on the board numbered from 1-5. Have
the students number their page and then write the
name of the object in the picture in that language.
You may have the words on the board for a matching
game.
Social Studies Examples:
-
Write an essay question you feel would be appropriate
for the next test. Keep it to no more than three sentences.
-
Write a brief description of something that you discussed
in class the day before or that you gave as a reading
assignment the night before.
-
Ask them for a comparison of two things they have
learned during the week.
Physical Education:
-
Stretch your calf muscles using two different exercises
we have used this week for the calves. 15 reps each.
-
Have them practice a skill from this week's area
of learning. Use squad leaders to run the exercise
or drill. It may be shooting free throws, jumping
rope, or bouncing the badmitten birdie up and down
on their racquet.
ANY SUBJECT
English, Social Studies, Phys. Ed., Math, Science, Music,
Home Etc.
-
Write the definition of __________. Use complete
sentences.
-
Describe this object. Try to use at least 5 adjectives.
Use complete sentences.
-
Solve a riddle, a puzzle, a crossword. See
www.puzzlemaker.com
|
