Activity
Ticket to Enter
Ticket to Enter
Activity Overview
Students complete a brief task upon entering class to activate prior knowledge and mentally prepare for new learning.
Grade Levels
Subject Areas
Activity Types
Detailed Example
Adding Decimals (Mathematics - 4th Grade)
Materials Needed
- Ticket slips posted by door or on desks
- Pencils available at entry
- Collection bin
- Timer visible to students
Preparation
Create brief tickets reviewing yesterday's content or previewing today's prerequisite skills. Post by door or place on desks before students arrive. Set timer for completion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
As students enter, they pick up their Ticket to Enter from the door or find it on their desk.
Display timer showing 3-4 minutes for completion.
Today's ticket (reviewing place value for decimal lesson): 'Write the value of the underlined digit: 45.67, 123.04, 8.90'
Students complete ticket silently and independently - this is individual think time.
When timer sounds, students place tickets in collection bin and take seats.
Quick scan tickets while students begin bell work or opener activity.
Use results to adjust lesson: pull small group if many struggled, or move faster if all succeeded.
Occasionally share exemplary tickets (anonymously) to model expectations.
Differentiation Strategies
Provide multiple ticket versions at different levels. Include visual supports for ELLs. For students needing more time, allow completion during first activity while you circulate.
Assessment Guidelines
Quick scan of tickets reveals who has prerequisite knowledge. Group students based on ticket performance for differentiated instruction. Track patterns over time.