'Do Now' Activities CPD and Teacher Toolkit

This Do Now Activities CPD and Teacher Toolkit is designed to support teachers in implementing effective lesson starters that promote retrieval practice, engagement, and strong classroom routines. The resource can be used as a staff training session followed by a practical toolkit of classroom-ready activities that teachers can easily embed into their daily lessons.

A “Do Now” activity is a short, focused task that pupils complete immediately upon entering the classroom. These activities act as a warm-up or retrieval exercise, helping students quickly engage with learning while reviewing previously taught content. Typically lasting around five minutes, Do Now tasks require minimal teacher explanation, allowing students to begin working independently or collaboratively as soon as they arrive.

This CPD resource explains the purpose and benefits of Do Now routines, highlighting how they can improve student focus, retrieval of prior knowledge, and lesson transition time. It also supports teachers in developing consistent classroom expectations that maximise learning time.

The accompanying teacher toolkit includes a range of adaptable Do Now activities that can be used across different subjects and year groups. These activities encourage pupils to recall prior knowledge, discuss ideas with peers, and practise key skills at the start of each lesson.

The resource includes:
• An introduction to Do Now routines and their role in effective lesson structure
• Research-informed guidance on retrieval practice and lesson starters
• A bank of ready-to-use Do Now activities suitable for multiple subjects
• Examples of activities completed through discussion, mini whiteboards, or written responses in books
• Strategies for encouraging independent work and paired discussion
• Adaptable materials teachers can modify to suit their classes

This resource is ideal for CPD sessions, department meetings, or whole-school training, supporting teachers in creating consistent, purposeful lesson starts that reinforce prior learning and maximise classroom time.