Bell Activity

This activity should be ready so that students can begin working as soon as they enter the classroom. It should be a light activity to get students thinking and interacting in English. It can be a puzzle, a riddle, a word game, etc.; e.g., copies of the same puzzle placed around the classroom before the class begins (could be at group tables, one for pairs, projected, on the board, or taped on the walls around the room). Instructions should be on a screen or the board, encouraging students to get started on the puzzle as soon as they enter the room.

When to Use It

• To transition students into English • To warm up a class • To set the schema of the students • To focus students after a break

Level

Skills

Depends on activity

Preparation

The instructor prepares whatever the activity is ahead of time (selects the riddle, prepares copies of the puzzle, etc.). If necessary, the answer key should also be prepared to show to the class. Instructions should be displayed on the board. Sample instructions on board: • Work alone or in groups to complete the activity (puzzle, word game, etc.). • When you have completed the task, the individual or all group members should raise their hands. • The first group to complete the activity correctly will win a prize. (The prize could be a star/a point for completing it first, or a round of applause! It need not be a concrete prize.)

Practice

Materials

Depends on activity: copies of puzzle, selected riddle

Preparation Time

5 minutes

Activity Time

5–15 minutes

Other

Procedure

1. Before the students enter and the class begins, pre-position the puzzles for the groupings/pairs. Put them on the desk with some colorful highlight so it stands out. 2. Have the instructions up on the board or on the screen for students to view upon entering (see sample above). 3. Try to keep quiet about the instructions on the board; students should notice the instructions on their own and start working. 4. As groups begin working, walk around to provide any needed encouragement/support. 5. When the first group completes the puzzle and indicates this with raised hands, bring the class together and go over the answers. 6. Distribute the prize if applicable. See puzzles from The Lighter Side of TEFL https://americanenglish.state.gov/resources/ lighter-side-tefl

Variations

1. Depending on the number of students in class, the puzzle could be combined with the Four Corners activity (page 54) by having one puzzle in each corner (taped on the wall or available on a table). Students could be pre-divided (by color/ number) to go to a designated corner to work on the puzzle with others. 2. The activity could be as easy as a one-line riddle or puzzle on the board that students could do at their desk. It need not be something as formal as a long, involved group activity.