Starters and Plenaries and The Ingredients of An Outstanding Lesson Making learning “precious” Starters and Plenaries and The Ingredients of An Outstanding Lesson

Discuss this picture with a partner…think about what’s happening behind you too! Starter Example of a starter

Find three errors in this paragraph… Starter The boy and his friend was playing football in the garden. He kicked there ball too hard and it hit the window. His mum shouted “Who’s fault was that?” Example of a starter

Definitions 1/2 Starters, appropriately used, mean that learning can begin as soon as pupils enter the classroom. They can be used to introduce new ideas or a new topic, or to re-cap / consolidate / reinforce prior learning. http://www.teachit.co.uk/user_content/satellites/6/Essentials/starters%20and%20plenaries.doc

Definitions 2/2 Plenaries don’t have to happen only at the end of the lesson. They can fit in at point at which you want to check that learning has taken place (‘mini plenaries’), and to share understanding. http://www.teachit.co.uk/user_content/satellites/6/Essentials/starters%20and%20plenaries.doc

Features of a good starter short – probably no more than ten minutes has lots of pace – mostly oral – very interactive designed to engage and to focus attention inclusive – designed to get everyone involved motivational – designed to offer early success in the lesson.

Examples of starters matching / sequencing exercises – e.g. match words with definitions, bingo, snap examining an (intriguing) image with a related question summarising – e.g. write down what you know about a topic in 3 bullet points, then reduce to 3 words; ‘Just a Minute’ (tell your partner about a topic without hesitation, deviation or repetition) questioning – e.g. groups prepare short questions on a topic for another group; answer in role (‘hot seating’); card loops; true/false statements

What makes an effective starter and plenary? Discuss key elements of a plenary A successful plenary: Draws together the learning of the group Summarises the learning so far Consolidates and extends learning Directs pupils to the next phase of learning Highlights what has been learned and how Determine the next steps in learning What makes an effective starter and plenary?

Plenary Write down three things you have learnt about starters today and one question that you have Example of a plenary

Plenary Write down three top tips you would give a teacher about planning a starter Example of a plenary

Write five sentences summarising this session… Now reduce that to five words… And finally to one word. Plenary Example of a plenary

Which picture best represents your learning today? Be ready to explain…. Plenary 2 1 3 4 Example of a plenary

Analyse examples of starters and plenaries Think back to the starters and plenaries that we have tried this session… With a partner discuss which ones you liked and how you think you could use them in your own lessons. What makes an effective starter and plenary?

What makes an effective starter and plenary? Stand and Share Write down the most important thing you have learned from this session. What makes an effective starter and plenary?