Bell Ringers

I like to do "Bell Ringers" with my students to start class. I ask a few questions that relate to the text that I want students to answer honestly. Then, after we read the book, I like to have students go back to their questions and answer them as though they were the main character. Here are some bell ringers for the book Guys Write for Guys Read:

13-27

1. What is the most mortifying thing that could happen before a first date?

2. What is something mature adults do that teens don't?

3. What is most calming for you?

4. Who is your most favorite comic book hero and why?

28-41

1. When is a time in your life you experienced your own change?

2. What is the most exciting book you've ever read?

3. What is your favorite sport to watch/play?

4. What is a hobby you are involved in and why?

42-57

1. What do guys focus on in 7th grade?

2. When was a time your creativity got you in trouble?

3. What constitutes a "real guy"?

4. How can bad decisions you make now, affect you as you get older?

58-72

1. When has someone wanted you to do something they want--not what you want?

2. What is a secret you shared, but shouldn't have?

3. How important is a relationship between father/son?

4. What have you gone deaf to?

73-86

1. What "ideas" have you gotten from books?

2. When are you a follower?

3. What makes a good leader?

4. What do you think you're good at--but you're actually not?

87-99

1. When was a time you didn't get what you deserve?

2. If you had superpowers, what would they be?

3. Who or what do you have in your life that is better than anyone/anything? Why?

100-115

1. When is a moment in your life when you've done something really great? Something unexpected?

2. When did you have a bonding experience with someone that you weren't expecting it?

3. What are some rights that are important to you?

4. What adventure has changed your life?

116-128

1. Who is your teacher, really?

2. What are the traits of a good guy?

3. What is your favorite kind of gum?

4. What is your favorite magazine?

129-142

1. When is a time your parents were right?

2. What do you appreciate about your parents?

3. In a world of "guy things" and "not guy things" what makes the lists?

4. What is something you hate?

143-157

1. When is a time your parents told you not to do something and you did it anyway?

2. How does a boy become a man?

158-172

1. What is Sprokostagorubolonoso?

2. Who is the luckiest person you know?

3. What is something you like to do that others consider nerdy?

173-186

1. What is the scariest thing you've ever experienced?

2. What is your favorite book and why?

3. What is your favorite prank?

4. Who is your favorite hero and why?

187-201

1. What is one thing you never told your parent(s)?

2. What are boys experts on?

3. When have you gotten in trouble with your teacher?

4. When was a time you learned your lesson the hard way?

202-216

1. What chore do you dislike doing?

2. What is your favorite childhood memory?

3. What are some things that describe/define a man?

217-228

1. What is a confession you'd like to make?

2. What subject are you most familiar with?

3. Who is Roy G. Biv?

4. When is a time when you watched someone do something successful, but when you tried, you failed?

229-238

1. Is reading something you do alone or with friends?

2. How should girls be treated?

239-246

1. What is conduct? If you were assigned a letter grade for conduct, what would it be and why?

2. What is the most creative thing you could do with a power cord?

3. Do you have a guilty conscience? Why or why not?

247-254

1. What is your favorite part of a newspaper?

2. What is the best piece of advice you've ever received from a coach?

3. What is an internal bear? What is your internal bear like?

255-268

1. What is your dream job?

2. What are some of the puzzle pieces of your life?

3. What are some nick-names you have and how did you get them?