Prompts for the Start of Lessons

KS1 Starter Prompt:

Act as a UK primary teacher working with mixed-ability KS1 pupils. Create a simple, student-led Do Now for [topic] where pupils independently (match/label/classify) [key concept] using pictures or manipulatives. Then include one age-appropriate stretch question asking them to explain/predict something about [related idea] based on their prior learning. Keep instructions clear, visual and accessible

KS3 Starter Prompt:

Act as a UK secondary teacher planning for a mixed-ability KS3 class. Produce a bell-work task for [topic] where students analyse two [examples/misconceptions/sources], infer what these reveal about [concept], and write a brief conclusion before sharing their reasoning in pairs. Keep the task short, analytical, and focused on student-led exploration.

KS5 Starter Prompt:

Act as a UK sixth-form teacher planning for a mixed-ability KS5 group. Create a retrieval or entry task for [topic] where students synthesise [data/extract/theory], propose a hypothesis or interpretation, and identify at least one assumption or limitation in their reasoning to prepare for deeper discussion. Ensure the task is rigorous, student-led, and encourages higher-order thinking.

KS2 Starter Prompt:

Act as a UK primary teacher with a mixed-ability KS2 class. Generate a retrieval starter for [topic] that asks pupils to recap [previous lesson content] by completing a short (compare/apply/explain) task. After completing it, direct them to discuss with a partner to identify one thing they found challenging and explain why. Ensure the activity supports independence and deep thinking.

KS4 Starter Prompt:

Act as a UK secondary teacher working with a mixed-ability KS4 class. Design a Do Now for [topic] where students evaluate a short [scenario/extract/graph/quote], justify their judgement using knowledge from [last lesson], and produce a concise mini-argument using (evaluate/justify/critique) language. Make the challenge appropriate for GCSE depth while remaining accessible for all learners

Quick ‘Do Now’ Prompts (Fill-in-the-Blank)

Act as a teacher of [subject] working within the [curriculum] curriculum and planning for a [year group/key stage], [mixed/streamed/SET] ability class. Create a student-led starter (Do Now/Bell Task/Retrieval) for the topic [topic] where learners independently complete a short (recall/apply/analyse/evaluate/create) task focused on [key concept]. Then include one stretch question requiring students to use higher-order thinking such as (explain/compare/infer/justify/synthesise) to deepen understanding and prepare them for [main lesson focus]

Create your own prompts using the following keywords and sentance starters

Keywords for Starter Activity Prompts

Recall: identify, list, label, define, match, retrieve
Apply: use, demonstrate, solve, complete, show
Analyse: compare, contrast, classify, examine, infer, interpret
Evaluate: justify, judge, critique, prioritise, assess
Create: design, propose, generate, construct, hypothesise
Starter Types: Do Now, Bell Task, Entry Task, Warm-Up, Retrieval, Quick Check, Prior Learning Check
Challenge Words: extend, deepen, stretch, greater depth, push thinking, higher order
Student-Led: independent, self-directed, paired discussion, reasoning, brief written response

Sentence Starters for Creating Your Own Prompts

“Create a starter where students identify/recall [key knowledge] by…”
“Design a Do Now that asks pupils to apply their understanding of [concept] to…”
“Write a bell task where learners compare/contrast [two examples] to infer…”
“Generate a retrieval activity that requires students to explain why [idea] is important…”
“Begin the lesson with a task where students justify their thinking about [statement]…”
“Provide an independent entry task where learners analyse [example/misconception]…”
“Create a student-led mini-task where pupils predict what would happen if [variable] changed…”
“Start the lesson with an activity that asks students to synthesise [data/ideas] to form…”
“Develop a quick retrieval challenge asking students to sort/classify [key content] into…”
“Include a stretch prompt where students must defend their choice about [decision/judgement]…”

Prompts for the Start of Lessons

Keywords for Starter Activity Prompts

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Sentence Starters for Creating Your Own Prompts

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