You teach amazing science lessons! You know the students are engaged and participating with the information.
You realize the students would benefit from a regular review of the material. There are so many concepts in science!
BUT, you dread the idea of grading all those bellringers!
You are not alone. Why do we feel compelled to grade every single thing we do?
I have a solution for you. Think about your intention with the activity. If your intention is to review information, why do you need to grade it?
Bellringers are not an assessment!
My no-grading strategy for bellringers will save you time in the class and the students will benefit from the review.
No-Grading Method for Bellringers
•Each morning I show one of the slides.
•The students work in pairs to come up with the answer. They can record on one of the pages provided or in their notebook. I allow them to look at the notes they have taken to answer the question. I think It helps them take better notes. Occasionally, I allow a student to look up the answer on the internet and share it with the class.
•We review the answers orally and I have a few students share. I allow students to change their answers to the correct answer…because I am using it as a review, not as an assessment. Why shouldn’t students learn from their mistakes?
•Everyone that participates gets credit. Nothing is turned in to me. (or I check just to see that they did something, but I do not grade it)
How do students benefit from this no-grade option for bellringers?
- They become better notetakers because I allow them to use their notes.
- They collaborate (one of the 21st-century skills)
- Reviewing information helps them retain information.
- Students are focused at the start of class.
You do not need to come up with bellringers on your own. My bellringers are no-prep and ready to use. I sell the entire year of bellringers in a bundle where you save 20% and I have a set for each of the following topics.
Earth Science Bellringers
Life Science Bellringers
Physical Science Bellringers
Weather and Climate Bellringers
You will love my no-grading option for bellringers.
See also this Blog Post- Stop Grading Every Paper!
Would you like a FREE Resource on Claim Evidence and Reasoning? 
Are you looking for social studies bellringers?
Students fill in a blank map with countries and water bodies we are memorizing to coincide with the culture we’re currently studying. It’s slipped into a plastic page protector so they can erase each day and practice on their own. Great for map work review!
These task cards also work great for math bellringers! Greatest Common Factor
