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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]
170 Comments
Chantal Walvoord Mar 16, 2024 5:00pm
1. When students enter a classroom, they are going to start socializing and distract one another. The situation can quickly grow out of control. The "do now" sets the tone for learning by reminding them of what they have learned in the past and gets them ready for new information.
The "do now" is something that they can do independently and allows the teacher to greet students all of the students as they walk in.
"Do now" activities are effective for classroom management and for helping students become focused learners.
2. "Do now" activities helps students focus and keep on task. If part of a routine, students will get used to getting focused right away.
3. Routines are vital for classroom management. That does not mean their cannot be any spontaneity and fun. The routines are useful for guiding expectations.
Frankie Robinson Jan 30, 2024 7:58am
Do Now is similar to a "Bell Ringer" or "Jump Start". Students are engaged, on task, and it's not busy work.
Vernon Walton Jan 3, 2024 10:53am
1. What makes an effective "Do Now" activity?
An effective "Do Now" activity is one that engages students without much added direction. It allows the instructor to greet students with a purposeful activity that stimulates them to think and transition into the daily activities. This type of activity encourages, informs, and motivates students to "dive in" for the day.
2. How does this strategy increase classroom efficiency?
"Do Now" activities assit the classroom in multiple was. It allows the time to greet and engage students simultaneously. I increase the effective range of the activities by making it a part of the raily routine where students already know what the expecation is. Additionally, it prompts students to take charge of their own transition into the classroom by having an immediate task that stimulates them for the day's activity. It reduces movement, questions, and maintians positive control of the environment while the instructor is doing the "Must Do's" prior to initiating instruction (i.e. attendance, accepting tardy passes, etc.).
3. What is the relationship between routines and classroom management?
Having and maintining a routine is paramount to an effective classroom. Establishig a routine enables the classroom to function more efficiently by reducing time consuming responses to common questions (i.e "what are we doing today?"). Routines also promote solidarity ammongst classmates as well autonomy for the class as a whole. Bearing in ming that we, as humans, are creatures of habit, the routine promotes a sense of ease in that there few, if any surprises to how the lessons will proceed. The autonomy that develops as a result of said routines also makes it easier if and when the primary instructor is not present. The routine carries over and endures until such time as that routine is changed and retaught.
Michael Daigre Sep 9, 2023 9:44pm
An effective "Do Now" activity assist the teacher in setting the tone for today. They can increase classroom efficiency by setting the tone for today, reviewing material, setting class expectations, and keeping the students on task. Class routines and class management can both create a positive effect on the students by setting expectations early and assist in keeping the students focused. This allows the teacher to spend less time getting students back on track and focus more on keeping them on track.
Gregory Broussard Aug 25, 2023 11:57am
1. An effective "Do Now" benefits both student and teacher. It allows students to transition from previous lesson(s) and what was learned to what is being presented today and create connections. It encourages student focus, self control and responsibility, and an environment where students learn as a class.
2. It encreases classroom efficiency by setting the tone for the day. No instructional time is wasted because it requires that students immediately focus on the task, recall what was taught, and to consider what will be presented today. Prior to the lesson for the day, students minds are engaged and waiting for additional knowledge.
3. The relationship between routines and classroom management is the students and teacher. The students need routines in the learning process to keep them focused and on task. The teacher needs classroom management in order to teach all students. Routines allow the teacher to quickly determine who is on task, who needs help, and to critique his/her lesson plan and the effectiveness.