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Grades 6-8 (ages 11–14)Ages 11–14

Warm-up routine for grades 6–8

Use this warm-up screen at the start of any class period to help middle school students settle in, focus, and get ready to learn. Students see clear instructions, a countdown timer, steps to follow, and a name picker so everyone has a chance to share.

This routine works well for any subject and helps students transition smoothly into the lesson. The background and drawing board can be customized to match your class vibe or topic.

Free for teachers. Your screens, classes and uploads are saved to your account.

How to use it in class

  1. 1Display the warm-up screen as students enter.
  2. 2Type or edit the instructions in the text widget.
  3. 3Start the countdown timer to set a clear time limit.
  4. 4Let students tick off each routine step on the checklist.
  5. 5Use the name picker to invite a student to share their answer.
  6. 6Use the drawing board for quick sketches or brainstorming.

Why it works

  • Gives students a predictable start so they know what to expect.
  • Encourages participation and fairness with the name picker.
  • Helps students manage time and stay on task with visual cues.

Tips

  • Pick a background that matches the day's topic or mood.
  • Type today's warm-up question in advance for a smooth start.
  • Encourage students to use the drawing board if they finish early.

Make it your own

  • Add a subject-specific question for math, science, or ELA.
  • Use in remote or hybrid classes by sharing the screen online.
  • Adjust steps or tasks for students with IEPs or ELL needs.

Questions teachers ask

How long should the warm-up last?

Usually 5–10 minutes is enough. Use the timer to keep the routine short and focused.

Can I edit the class roster for the name picker?

Yes, you can add or remove student names so everyone gets a fair chance.

What if a student is absent?

You can quickly remove their name from the picker for the day so only present students are called on.

Widgets on this screen

Features it uses

Same moment, other ages

More templates for Grades 6-8 (ages 11–14)