Starters
Starters are a really important part of a Maths lesson. They are a chance to get students settled, consolidate some previous learning or to get students thinking.
I always like to have a starter or a "settler" that students can be getting on with as soon as they enter the room. Sometimes there may be a question from the previous lesson on the board or just a random maths problems that might not be linked to the lesson. I think it's important to have a variety, so students don't know what to expect. Sometimes I have time to plan a starter but other times I will just write some questions on the white board. I have put together a list of starter activities which I use on a regular basis. |
Starter Ideas4 Numbers
Students number 1 to 20 in their books and 4 students chose 4 single digit numbers. With the 4 numbers chosen, everyone has to make the numbers 1 to 20 using the four operations. They must use more than one number, but not always all and they cannot use the same number twice to make each number. I have noticed, as they practise this, students get quicker at creating a calculation. I mostly use this starter with KS3 groups. Today's Number Is.... (Click for file) I have been using this starter for years. I found a PowerPoint similar to it once and then created my own. Chose a number of the day, and do all the 12 things to that number. You don't always have to chose an integer, I have used fractions, negative numbers, decimals and even complicated algebraic expression. It gets students practising the same things over and over again. 10 Questions Easy to set up and easy to execute. I used to do this at school. Key stage 4 students have told me they find this useful because it tells them what they can and cannot do. I make up 10 questions on the spot to do with any topic we have previously studied, and students answer the question. I usually get students to peer mark and write comments, and sometimes they can level themselves. Simple but effective. Starter of the Day A great website with a calendar and a different starter for everyday of the year. You can also search for a starter with a particular topic. Colourful, quick and easy to use. |