Many educators struggle with the task of figuring out how to start class each day or how to transition from concept to concept. Due to nature of switching class to class, students often struggle to mentally prepare to transition to a different subject. A popular solution to these problems is the idea of bellringers. These start-of-class activities benefit both students and teachers.
What Is a Bellringer?
A bellringer is an activity, small assignment or mini-assessment that students complete when they first enter the classroom. Bellringers typically consist of questions or prompts related to the concept(s) currently discussed in class. Many teachers make them short so that they don’t take up too much class time, but they can also be incorporated in the lesson plan to guide the concept(s) for class.
How Do Bellringers Benefit Students?
Students benefit from bellringers because it allows them to get in the mindset of the concepts that will be discussed in class. Bellringers also allow students to get in the habit of transitioning from class to class and preparing for various tasks. Students benefit from bellringers because they become more engaged as they typically lead to discussion to begin the lesson.
How Do Teachers Benefit from Bellringers?
Teachers use bellringers to help present a concept discussed in class and to measure students’ familiarity with the concept. Bellringers also assess the level of understanding that students have on a certain concept discussed in a previous lesson. Aside from these learning benefits, teachers can use bellringers as crowd control as students enter the classroom. Bellringers also allow teachers to take care of housekeeping without wasting any class time.
What Kind of Bellringers are There?
Teachers often struggle with brainstorming for bellringers, but because every subject is unique, teachers have complete creative control. For an English/Grammar class, a bellringer may consist of sentences that students have to correct. For a Math class, practice problems pertaining to the previous day’s lesson can assess the comprehension of a concept. Bellringers can be tailored for all students and courses; there are also many resources available online.
Overall, bellringers are a great way to prepare both teachers and students for the class period. Switching from class to class with only a few minutes for a break can be stressful for all, so bellringers are a great solution to help complete class-to-class tasks.
Text by Jonathan Mendoza
Automated Student Computer Monitoring
FAQs
How Do Teachers Benefit from Bellringers? Teachers use bellringers to help present a concept discussed in class and to measure students' familiarity with the concept. Bellringers also assess the level of understanding that students have on a certain concept discussed in a previous lesson.
What is a bell ringer and why is it important? ›
A bell ringer is a short assessment, activity, or assignment that students complete as soon as they enter a classroom. Typically, bell ringers indicate to students that class has begun and immediately engage students' attention by priming them to think about the course material.
Why do teachers do bell ringers? ›
Bell ringers, also known as ice breakers or warm-ups, are opening activities that: Help students transition from their previous task or class to a new one. Engage students in active learning from the moment they walk into your room. Activate prior knowledge that they will need for the lesson.
What is a bellringer? ›
: one that rings a church bell. especially : one that takes part in change ringing.
What are the benefits of bell ringing? ›
As children learn music, especially an instrument that requires both hands like bells or chimes, they see multiple benefits. Using both hands as they ring helps to develop better fine and gross motor skills. Learning to play an instrument has also been proven to open new pathways in their brains.
Why are bell chimes important? ›
Historically, bells have been associated with religious rites, and are still used to call communities together for religious services. Later, bells were made to commemorate important events or people and have been associated with the concepts of peace and freedom.
What is the reason for bell ringing? ›
Why and when are bells rung? Bells have rung out for many years, calling people to prayer and worship for many religions; chiming out the time at clock towers the world over; as a signal on ships; calling attention for the Town Crier's announcements, and so much more!
Are bellringers effective? ›
Bell ringers are a great way to start your class and get middle school students engaged in standards-based learning. They can also help create routine and structure in your classroom.
What is the meaning of Bellringing? ›
the action, skill, or sound of ringing bells, especially church bells: To commemorate those who died, there will be two minutes' silence followed by bell-ringing in many towns and communities across the country. The vicar was asked to cancel the bellringing because of the noise.
How does bell ringing work? ›
In English-style ringing the bell is rung up such that the clapper is resting on the lower edge of the bell when the bell is on the stay. During each swing, the clapper travels faster than the bell, eventually striking the soundbow and making the bell sound.
The ringing of a school bell announces important times to a school's students and staff, such as marking the beginnings and ends of the school day, class periods, and breaks.
Why is the bell so important? ›
The Significance of the Bell:
Throughout society and culture all around the world, a bell has a multitude of symbolic meanings and purposes. Bells can symbolize beginnings and endings, a call to order, or even a command or a warning.
Is bell ringing easy to learn? ›
Bellringing is a challenging and rewarding activity. It is not “instant” and it does take a while to become a competent ringer. It is very satisfying when you reach the stage at which you are able to control your bell and ring with other ringers. There is a huge age range in ringing.
Why is the ringing of the bell significant? ›
In addition, some cultures once believed the sound of the bell could ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. During the Middle Ages, bell ringing took on a new significance. Bells were used to make announcements and mark significant events such as weddings and funerals.
What is the purpose of church bells ringing? ›
Their main function is to call worshippers to the church for a communal service, but are also rung on special occasions such as a wedding, or a funeral service. In some Christian traditions they signify to people outside that a particular part of the service has been reached.
What qualities do you need to be a bell ringer? ›
Bell Ringer Requirements
- Must have a good working knowledge of bell ringing techniques.
- Must be able to work with a team.
- Must be able to lift heavy bells.
- Must have a good sense of time and rhythm.
- Must have a good knowledge of musical notation.
Throughout society and culture all around the world, a bell has a multitude of symbolic meanings and purposes. Bells can symbolize beginnings and endings, a call to order, or even a command or a warning.
