How I Keep High Schoolers Engaged Until the Bell Rings

Written By jaclyn richie

Let me just say it straight: high schoolers crave structure more than they’ll ever admit.
They may act like they want “chill” time or flexibility, but once your classroom has a rhythm, a flow, and real expectations? They thrive. They engage. They actually look forward to your class.

And here’s the thing no one tells you loud enough:
Practice and procedures aren’t just for elementary school. They’re EVERYTHING in high school, too.

Why Routines Work (Even for Teenagers)

According to education researcher Doug Lemov, “students are more likely to learn when they understand the predictable patterns of the classroom.”

He’s not wrong.

The more consistent your structure, the less mental energy your students spend on wondering what’s next—and the more they can focus on learning. That’s why I keep the schedule the same every single day.

Sure, the activities change. The seating may shift. The materials vary.
But the routine? Locked in.

Bellringer → Mini-lesson → Main activity → Exit ticket

🛎️ The Bellringer: My Secret to a Calm Start

Okay, I know bellringers seem basic. It’s the oldest trick in the book.

But hear me out:
They work because they’re predictable. Every day when students walk into my classroom, the bellringer is already posted on the board and written in their Interactive Notebook (INB).

When the bell rings, one of my classroom jobs kicks in—my Timer Person sets a five-minute timer. That gives me just enough time to breathe, take attendance, and answer those quick “Miss Richie!” questions flying at me.

Once the timer ends, we discuss the bellringer—but never the same way twice.
It might be:

  • Think-pair-share

  • Individual responses

  • Quick writes

  • Full class discussion

The structure stays the same, but the format keeps it fresh.

The Lecture That Isn’t Really a Lecture

Let’s get this straight:
I lecture for 10–15 minutes MAX.
And even that’s rare.

While I’m teaching, students take notes in their Interactive Notebooks, which are organized, structured, and used daily. We don’t just use them—we depend on them.

👩‍💻 P.S. — Want to learn how I use Interactive Notebooks (INBs) for bellringers and lectures every single day?
You can see exactly how I run my routines inside my Live Interactive Notebook Q&A session, available now on my website for June & July:
👉 mrsrichiecreates.org/shop/p/live-interactive-notebook-workshop

From Teaching to Doing: The Main Activity

Once I’ve cleared up questions or misconceptions, we move straight into the culminating activity.

This is where the real engagement happens—and it’s never the same thing twice.
Some days it’s:

  • A case study

  • A primary source packet

  • A collaborative escape room

  • A mini debate

  • A historical simulation

  • A graphic organizer

  • Individual work or group rotations

Whatever the activity is, it directly connects to the lesson and gives students a chance to apply what they’ve learned. It’s active, not passive—and that’s the key.

If There’s Time Left… I’m Always Ready

Let me give you one of my golden rules:
Don’t. Leave. Free. Time.

Free time breeds chaos. Phones come out. Conversations derail. Energy shifts.

So if our main activity doesn’t take up the full block, I always have a ready-to-go exit slip waiting.
It’s quick, skill-based, and closes the loop on the day’s learning.

📥 Want to grab my free Exit Slip template?
You can download it right here from my site:
👉 mrsrichiecreates.org/freebies

💬 Real Talk: What It Actually Looks Like

Once you nail down your structure, your classroom starts to run itself—and here’s what that sounds like:

Students walk into 3rd hour and say to each other,

“Wait, what did y’all do in her class today?”

And the best part?
Their peers can actually explain it—because they were engaged, involved, and tuned in from bell to bell.

They’re not walking out of your class saying “IDK.”
They’re walking out talking about it.

Want to Build This Flow in Your Room?

Trust me—keeping high schoolers engaged isn’t about having flashy slides or being a performer.
It’s about systems.
Procedures.
Consistency.
And just enough variety to keep them curious.

You don’t need more time.
You need a routine that works with you—not against you.
Let’s build it together.

XOXO- Mrs. Richie!

jaclyn richie
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