Bell ringers are the best way to start class because they provide structure, get students thinking, and can be an excellent classwork grade. We either have students fill in the bell ringer of the day in a composition notebook or through Google Classroom. If we are using the composition notebook, I periodically collect them and give them a point for each completed one that becomes a classwork grade.

Here are the Downloadable Bell Ringers:

• • Career Exploration Journal Sample
  • Financial Literacy Bell Ringer Sample
  • Adulting 101 Bell Ringer Journal Sample
  • Google Link Adulting Bell Ringer Sample
  • Culinary Arts Bell Ringer Journal Sample

Materials Needed for the Bell Ringer Journals:

• Composition notebook or regular notebook
• Chromebook or access to Google

Procedure for Using Bell Ringer Journals:

1. As soon as students enter class, they know to open their bell ringer journal (composition notebook, Google Doc, or Google Form).
2. Project or post the bell ringer prompt on the board/Google Classroom.
3. Give students 3–5 minutes at the start of class to respond.
4. Students date each entry in their notebook and respond in complete sentences. If digital, require them to label each day clearly.
5. Collect/check journals weekly or bi-weekly.
6. Grade for completion and effort (not necessarily accuracy) to encourage participation.
7. Option: Assign 1 point per completed bell ringer that counts toward a classwork grade.
8. After writing, call on a few students to share responses to spark discussion or connect to the lesson.
9. Transition smoothly into the day’s topic.