What is the purpose of a “warm-up” activity at the start of class?

The purpose of a "warm-up" activity at the start of a class is primarily to engage students and prepare them mentally for the lesson. This type of activity sets the tone for the classroom environment, allowing students to transition their focus from previous activities or settings into a learning mindset. A well-designed warm-up can stimulate students' interest, activate prior knowledge related to the lesson content, and create a sense of community among classmates. By doing so, it helps to enhance student participation and readiness to absorb new information, which is essential for effective learning.

In contrast, simply filling time until the bell rings does not have the educational focus that a warm-up should possess. Taking attendance, while necessary, does not engage students in the material and may disrupt their transition into learning. Introducing new material immediately would skip the crucial mental preparation and student engagement that a warm-up provides, potentially leading to less effective comprehension and retention of the new material.