1. Starters and Plenaries and The Ingredients of An Outstanding Lesson
Making learning “precious”
Starters and Plenaries and The Ingredients of An Outstanding Lesson

2. Discuss this picture with a partner…think about what’s happening behind you too!
Starter
Example of a starter

3. Find three errors in this paragraph…
Starter
The boy and his friend was playing football in the garden. He kicked there ball too hard and it hit the window. His mum shouted “Who’s fault was that?”
Example of a starter

4. Definitions 1/2
Starters, appropriately used, mean that learning can begin as soon as pupils enter the classroom. They can be used to introduce new ideas or a new topic, or to re-cap / consolidate / reinforce prior learning.

5. Definitions 2/2
Plenaries don’t have to happen only at the end of the lesson. They can fit in at point at which you want to check that learning has taken place (‘mini plenaries’), and to share understanding.

6. Features of a good starter
short – probably no more than ten minutes
has lots of pace – mostly oral – very interactive
designed to engage and to focus attention
inclusive – designed to get everyone involved
motivational – designed to offer early success in the lesson.

7. Examples of starters
matching / sequencing exercises – e.g. match words with definitions, bingo, snap
examining an (intriguing) image with a related question
summarising – e.g. write down what you know about a topic in 3 bullet points, then reduce to 3 words; ‘Just a Minute’ (tell your partner about a topic without hesitation, deviation or repetition)
questioning – e.g. groups prepare short questions on a topic for another group; answer in role (‘hot seating’); card loops; true/false statements

9. What makes an effective starter and plenary?
Discuss key elements of a plenary
A successful plenary:
Draws together the learning of the group
Summarises the learning so far
Consolidates and extends learning
Directs pupils to the next phase of learning
Highlights what has been learned and how
Determine the next steps in learning
What makes an effective starter and plenary?

10. Plenary
Write down three things you have learnt about starters today and one question that you have
Example of a plenary

11. Plenary
Write down three top tips you would give a teacher about planning a starter
Example of a plenary

12. Write five sentences summarising this session…
Now reduce that to five words…
And finally to one word.
Plenary
Example of a plenary

13. Which picture best represents your learning today? Be ready to explain….
Plenary 2 1 3 4
Example of a plenary

14. Analyse examples of starters and plenaries
Think back to the starters and plenaries that we have tried this session…
With a partner discuss which ones you liked and how you think you could use them in your own lessons.
What makes an effective starter and plenary?

15. What makes an effective starter and plenary?
Stand and Share
Write down the most important thing you have learned from this session.
What makes an effective starter and plenary?