14 Fun Ways to Start Class

Looking for fun ways to start class?

Finding fun ways to start class can be difficult, but I found a list of great suggestions on Twitter that I'll share here. I watch social media closely and it's my job to share some of the hot topics on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other outlets that teachers, principals, students, and parents are contributing.

Roberto A. Gonzalez posted an infographic from Teach Thought that listed 14 different interesting, different, and unusual ways to start class. Staring anything is one of the most difficult parts of any process. Having to start the same class over and over every day makes keeping it interesting extra challenging. This list should help.

While this list is fairly brief, hopefully it sparks some ideas to switch-up your starting class plans. (PS. I know the tweet says 15 ways to start class, but I only mentioned 14 ways; read suggestions #9 and #15 and you'll know why).

It's easy to see how some of these suggestions would get students excited for class. For example, students love videos, so starting your class off that way might get them more excited and engaged with the whole lesson plan. I also think starting with a ridiculous debate would be lots of fun, and you could end up turning that debate into something more serious and spark a classroom discussion about that day's topic.

How do you start class? What ideas did this list inspire? What would you add to this list?

Tori Pakizer is the Social Media Editor at SimpleK12.com. She writes regularly about the use of educational technology in K-12 classrooms, and specializes in how teachers use Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other social media. You can follow Tori and SimpleK12 on Twitter @SimpleK12. If you have ideas for using social media in schools, please send your information or tip to editor@simplek12.com.