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Interviewer: Okay, here we go. You’re gonna walk in the classroom quickly and quietly. I will hand you your do-now, instructions are on the board. Are there any questions before we get started.
A do now is any activity that you have at the very beginning of class that helps you set the tone for that day.
Quickly, quietly, get started right away. Go ahead and get started right now on your do-now.
Kids come in and have something to do when they get to their desk. That something to do should go back to what they’ve worked on before, and lead into what they’re gonna work on next. Often it’s really good to put the instructions for the do-now up on the board, so you don’t even have to say that much. They can just read them, and start following the directions.
Then instead of having to talk to a lot of kids, we can just say, “I really like the way you got started, now go ahead and work on number two.” They read it, and then you can move on.
Yeah, do it on the back of it. That cool? You know what to do right?
Interviewee: Yeah.
Interviewer: I’ve seen teachers that do do-nows as quick quizzes at the beginning of everyday. I’ve seen teachers that do a few old questions that they want to work on. It could be a reading passage that the kids have been working on. Ideally, something that’s gonna lead you directly into that day’s lesson.
I see Chartanay 01:20 is starting to add to find the average of her numbers.
The other great thing about a do-now is it’s really excellent technique for classroom management.
I see the middle row is completely engaged in what they’re working on.
It helps you to set the expectations from the very beginning of your class period. So a kid walks into your classroom, they know, “I’m gonna walk in. I’m gonna get my stuff out, and there’s work for me to do.” The hardest part of a teacher’s day is constantly getting kids back on task, getting your students back doing the work you want them to do, that’s the hard part.
All right, you have about two minutes to finish your do-now, stay focused, stay on task.
The best thing about a do-now is we start to work right away, and now I’m keeping you on task as opposed to getting you back on task.
Are there any questions? Okay, back to work.
[End of Audio]
135 Comments
Danyale Davis Sep 5, 2021 12:29am
1. An effective "Do Now" gives the students something to do immediately after arriving to class, it helps tp set the tone for that day's lesson and also serves as a form of classroom management.
2. This strategy increases classroom efficieincy by establishing a routine and helps the students to know the teacher's daily expectations. The transition from non-learning to learning is much faster and the teacher is able to maximize insgtructional time.
The relationship between routines and classroom management is that a routine is part of classroom management. Classroom management refers to the ability to maintain order within the classroom while providing instruction. Routines serve as a method of classroom management, keeping students focused and on-task.
Carolyn Havard Aug 14, 2021 6:39pm
A "Do Now" activity is an activity that starts the lesson for the day. It might be something from the end of the day before and the teacher ties it in with the lesson for the current day.
The students know to come in and start right away. There's no "I wonder what we're learning or doing today?" They know the procedure of what is expected to do.
From the beginning of school, in this class they've started a routine and with expectations on what to do. Classroom management is controlled by having a routine because the students know what to expect in the class.
Shaina Champagne Jul 22, 2021 11:15am
1. A task that focuses on a previous lesson learned and moves into what they will be working on next.
2. Do now task help set the expectation as soon as students enter the classroom. It helps them stay focused and on task.
2. A daily routine helps minimize the teachers need to refocus the class. By setting expectation students get to work right away and by staying focused and busy it keeps the classroom managed and provides a condusive learning enviorment. The teacher is able to spend more time on intruction instead of refocusing.
Cristal Salinas Jul 17, 2021 5:55pm
Jeannie Thomas Apr 27, 2021 9:43am
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