Play 8
Memory Starter
What is it?
The memory starter is a 5-10 minutes activity to begin the lesson. It reviews key knowledge that students have learned in lesson or as part of their homework. These are directly connected to key objectives (KOs) in the curriculum. Homework will always be linked to core knowledge that requires memory retention, with the aim to revisit via starter tasks.
On the day their homework is due, the starter related to the main curriculum KOs should be replaced with a starter task to test their recall of the memory homework they were set. This could be in the form of a multiple choice quiz, or a whole class response to allow the teacher to quickly check completion.
Why is it important?
A target memory is what students are required to recall from long-term memory. When designing a curriculum and planning lessons, we need to be aware of the content that will form the target memories for our students (Jones, ‘Target Mmemory’, Evidence Based Education, 2022). We design our homework and memory starter tasks with this in mind.
Revisiting previously taught content is essential for moving knowledge into the long term memory. Memory linked starters allow material taught to be revisited in a deliberate and sequenced way.
When assessing homework as part of the starter, it becomes yet another opportunity to consolidate prior knowledge, particular core knowledge linked to memory. This continual opportunity to assess students’ prior learning means that the teacher can use this data to inform future lessons and revisit topics deemed necessary.
What to do:
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Intellectually prepare (IP) Prepare to ensure you have set the conditions to facilitate the best possible start to your lesson (play 1) Ensure the memory starter is on the first slide as students enter. If the homework (HW) is due that day, IP so that the check for this replaces the usual starter task |
Memory starter and circulate Provide a manageable amount of recall questions linked appropriately to previously taught key objectives. Eg. from last week, last term and last year Stop the ‘busy trickers’ by circulating and ensuring the questions are attempted. |
Memory homework starter and circulate On the day homework is due, replace the main curriculum linked memory starter with a starter checking homework completion. This could be in the form of a multiple choice quiz, or a whole class response to allow the teacher to quickly check completion. Stop the ‘busy trickers’ by circulating and ensuring the questions are attempted. |
CFU with DPR Call for SLANT in a strong voice. Expect 100% compliance. Complete a whole class check for understanding of the starter task using a whole class response system like mini whiteboards. Combine with cold call to challenge. Celebrate success and update DPR KOs as appropriate. |
Golden Ticket Call for SLANT in a strong voice. Expect 100% compliance. Set the tone for the lesson, referring to the key objective and indicate what it will take to get the Golden Ticket. Make sure it is linked to learning. |
Normalising meritsThe power of revisiting homework Hunt, don't puntSpace it, Ace it!