AIMS To discuss the features of effective starters To look in more detail at the purpose of starters To share ideas for starter activities

What makes an effective mental and oral starter? What difficulties do you encounter?

Effective starters: adhere to planned timings are led by focused objectives are based on assessment information cover objectives from all strands engage all of the children in the class challenge pupils of all ability levels contain a mix of questions provide opportunities for children to collaborate are organised in different ways use a variety of activities

Activities may include: counting in different steps ordering numbers recalling facts developing vocabulary practising calculation strategies explaining methods describing shapes and properties interpreting information using mental imagery consolidating skills needed in the main part of the lesson solving problems testing and reasoning working on targets looking at test questions reviewing homework

6 + 3 = 9 What else do you know? The answer is 16cm. What was the question?

What is the same about these two shapes? What is different?

What questions could you ask using these target boards?