Teaching Physics for Every Learner

A Do Now activity is a short task pupils complete the moment they enter the classroom. It gives the lesson a calm, focused start and makes it clear that learning begins straight away.

The best Do Now activities are simple, purposeful and easy to begin without teacher explanation. Pupils should be able to sit down and start within seconds. In physics, this could be five retrieval questions, a key word match-up, a quick equation practice, a diagram to label or a short question from the previous lesson.

Do Now tasks work best when they connect to previous learning or prepare pupils for the lesson ahead. Before a lesson on circuits, pupils might recap current, voltage and resistance. Before a lesson on forces, they might calculate weight or identify balanced and unbalanced forces.

This routine helps pupils retrieve important knowledge, settle quickly and build confidence before the main part of the lesson begins. It also gives the teacher useful information straight away: what pupils remember, what they have forgotten and what may need reteaching.

A good Do Now is not just a starter. It is a powerful classroom routine that reduces wasted time, improves focus and helps pupils make stronger links between lessons.