The Art of the Warm-Up: 10 Ways to Begin Any Class

How Do You Start Class, Anyway?

The first few moments of class are critical for a variety of reasons, but the main reason for really focusing on those first few minutes is your entire lesson could be a success or failure depending on whether or not your students are engaged from the beginning. I love talking to teachers about warm-ups. I love hearing different strategies and ideas. One of the most powerful pieces of teacher advice I have to give is there is power in sharing the why or purpose behind your lesson right away. Our brains are hardwired for the information of “why am I here?” to feel safe and to create a sense of belonging. On another level, your warm-up helps unlock your classroom environment. You make students feel welcome with a warm-up.

So, how do you start class?

I have started my middle school English Language Arts class in a variety of ways. I sometimes rotate my warm-up strategies based on the grading marking period or trimester. I sometimes keep things that work well, and then I toss out other things that don’t. I almost always come back to some form of creative writing or choice reading with conferences.

Some of my favorite ways with reading and writing to start class…

READING

  • Book talks/Book passes

  • Picture book read alouds

  • First chapter Fridays/First chapter readings

  • Book trailers

  • Mentor text routines

  • Choice reading and reading conferences

WRITING

  • Daily themed warm-ups (Similar to daily language review) Mindset Mondays, Word Wednesdays, etc

  • Quick-writes

  • Paragraph writing

  • Jason Reynolds Write/Right/Rite journaling

Here are 10 blog posts to get you thinking about how you want to set up or refresh your warm-up routine in your literacy classroom. I would argue that all of these ideas don’t apply just to an English Language Arts classroom. Many of these options also involve student choice in the first few minutes of class to promote engagement. Find something that fits your teaching style and helps you feel energized to start class each day.

Writing Mindset Reflection: What is your favorite way to start class? What warm-up routine do you like to use?


teacher warm-ups


Stephanie Hampton

A dedicated educator with over a decade of experience in public education, specializing in English Language Arts, writing instruction, and using mentor texts in the classroom. Stephanie currently works as an educational consultant. When she isn’t talking about teaching, she is with her family, spending time journaling, and enjoying a fresh cup of coffee.

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