As math teachers, we all love the idea of a warmup that sparks thinking, primes students' minds, and builds habits of reflection - without eating into precious class time. Over the years, I've refined a handful of warmups (or bellringers) that hit that sweet spot: quick to set up, meaningful for students, and supportive of deeper thinking.
Here are my favorites, along with tips and tweaks. Tinker them to fit your class!
Math Warmups that Don't Waste Time
Because bellringers shouldn't feel like busywork
1. Notice & Wonder + Question
- Display a problem, diagram, or situation (could be a surprising result, counterintuitive graph, or even a "weird case").
- Ask students:
- What do you notice?
- What do you wonder?
- Which question would you like to try to answer today?
- After 30-60 seconds, invite a few students to share their wonderings (not necessarily a solution).
- Use one of their questions later during class or as a launching point for the lesson.
2. Mini-Writing: Explain a Concept in One Sentence
- Start with a prompt like: "In one sentence, explain what a function is to someone who has never seen one before." or "Explain what factoring quadratics is by using only one sentence."
- Students write independently, then can share with a partner or two.
- You can spot misconceptions quickly (if many students' sentences are off).
This is derived from the approach of embedding writing in math class - teaching students to reflect, clarify, and communicate their mathematical ideas. (See The Benefits of Writing in Math for more on why writing helps students dig deeper and catch holes in understanding.)
Want to see more writing prompts that are ready for your students? Check out Writing in Math Journal Prompts (available on TpT), which provide many prompts ready to use.
3. Think, Pair, Sketch
- Ask a question like: "Sketch the graph of f(x) = 1/x +2. What are its key features? Domain and range? Asymptotes?
- Students think and sketch silently
- Then, have them pair up and compare sketches, discussing any differences.
- Optionally, a few pairs volunteer to explain their thinking and drawing to the class.
This combines visual reasoning, peer explanation, and low-stakes sharing. It's more active than a purely procedural warmup, but still fast. This is PERFECT for a class set of whiteboards.
I love the markers. I linked below I once found these markers at the dollar store! The tips are fine enough that they work for small white boards, but I've found the ink lasts longer than the Expo brand.
4. Error Analysis
- Provide two different student attempts (I like to use silly made-up student names) or two solution methods.
- Ask students to find the error or which approach is simpler.
- Have students share and justify their answer.
This helps students engage critically with mathematical reasoning, not just procedural correctness.
5. Flash Write + Share
- Give a prompt like: "What part of yesterday's lesson do you still find confusing?" or "What questions do you have after completing your homework?"
- Once students have written their responses, you can collect them to read later, or have them share with the class to answer for everyone.
6. One Problem, Two Voices
- Display a single interesting problem.
- Students write just one step or idea, then pass to a neighbor.
- After two to three passes, return the paper to the original owner and have a few share the chain of reasoning the problem went through.
This is a great way to involve all students in a rich problem without demonstrating the whole thing for them. It's also less stressful for struggling students, as they only have to "do the next thing" and don't have to solve the whole problem.
7. Task Card Warmup
- Use a quick logic puzzle or task card as a warmup.
- Display one or two task cards, then go over the responses as a class.
My favorite way to do this is to use logic puzzles! Logic puzzles tap problem-solving, pattern recognition, and reasoning - and they feel fun. You don't have to complete many; just one or two is enough to get brains engaged, but students may want to complete more!
8. Whiteboard Blitz
- Use small handheld whiteboards for fast work.
- Give a short problem, like Solve 2x + 5 = 17 and have all students write an answer.
- On your cue, everyone holds up their boards.
- You scan, call out samples, and discuss problems.
This gives you immediate feedback on accuracy and reasoning, and it keeps all students actively engaged, rather than a few writing while others wait.
I love double-sided whiteboards. I've found the brand linked below lasts longer and erases cleaner.
Tips to Keep Warmups Sharp (Not Wasteful!)
- Set a timer. Use a visible timer so students know how much time is left.
- Mix sharing formats. Sometimes use whole-class, sometimes have them share with partners. Mix it up to keep it fresh.
- Use responses formatively. Glance or collect responses to check for misunderstandings or to guide your lesson for the day.
- Archive responses. Keep some warmup work to track growth, revisit tricky ideas, or for later discussion. If you need to keep work samples, this is a great way to do it!
- Rotate warmup types. Use varied formats (writing, sketching, logic, whiteboards) so students don't get locked into a routine that becomes rote.
Warmups should feel like launch pads, not busywork. Over time, through consistent, thoughtful use, these short routines can build students' confidence, sharpen their reasoning, and foster a culture of curiosity and reflection in your math class.
If you try any of these in your classes, I'd love to hear how students respond!
