The Do Now strategy is simple: begin every day with a simple activity, located in the same place, with the same expectations. It provides a consistent, effective way to begin class that is clear to students and eliminates excuses that lead to distractions. By beginning class the same way every day, it sets precedence of what is expected at the beginning of class, which sets up the day for success. Because the activity is posted on the board when class begins, it allows for students to begin working hard before the teacher enters the room. It eliminates the need for a discussion about what is expected of the students for the day by using every moment for productivity. Lemov includes four suggestions:
1) The Do Now should be something the students can complete without instruction and without help from the teacher or peers.
2) The Do Now should be short (3-5 minutes).
3) The results should be measurable. That is, there needs to be a written record of what the students have done to answer each problem.
4) The Do Now should do one of two things: review the previous day or preview the day. If it reviews the previous day, it allows for practice. If it previews the upcoming day, it allows for students to begin thinking in that manner.
1) The Do Now should be something the students can complete without instruction and without help from the teacher or peers.
2) The Do Now should be short (3-5 minutes).
3) The results should be measurable. That is, there needs to be a written record of what the students have done to answer each problem.
4) The Do Now should do one of two things: review the previous day or preview the day. If it reviews the previous day, it allows for practice. If it previews the upcoming day, it allows for students to begin thinking in that manner.
