Warmer vs Context Setting

Hello!

There have been instances when I have mixed up a warmer with context setting. It was during my TEFL course that I learnt how to use them without confusing the two. I am happy to share whatever little I have gathered.

Let's begin by understanding the differences between the two:

Purpose:

A warmer is done before beginning a class with the objective of helping the students feel relaxed and also to create enthusiasm among them. It's a great tool to get their attention and also activate their pre existing knowledge of a topic. 

A context setting takes place after a warmer. It is the part where a topic is partly revealed and students can bridge the gap from known to unknown. 

 Topic disclosure:

At the warmer stage, a child does not hav e much clue about the topic; however, the activity is related. Whereas, in case of context setting, it is like the trailer of a movie hence it must be perfectly edited in order to arouse excitement among the class and help them arrive at the topic with teacher's help. 

Types of activities:

For a warmer we can do activities which involve Total Physical Response (TPR), gesture games, listening games. The focus mainly is on body movement which will keep them involved in the activity. 

In case of a context setting, some activities could be - a quiz, a slide show, reading and listening activity, building a conversation, look and say activities, answering questions by looking at an aid. Students should get an idea what they are going to learn about and try to arrive at the topic. 

Now let us look at some of the similarities:

• Time duration - 2-3 minutes each in a class of 50-55 minutes.
• Both should be age and topic appropriate.
• Students should be involved completely in both the activities.
• Simplified instructions for both in order to elicit maximum responses.

I hope the following examples helps:

Example 1 - 

Topic - Alliteration

Warmer - a song on alliteration - Four Fat Fish

Teacher plays the song and asks the students to dance along and while the song plays teacher repeats the alliterative words in a very subtle way. (Total Physical Response)

Context Setting - Teacher says a tongue twister 3 times, asks students to listen first then they repeat after the teacher as instructed. (Listening and Speaking)

Example 2 - 

Topic - Verbs

Warmer - playing a game - Simon says - Students participate in the game as instructed by teacher (use of TPR)

Context Setting - Using a slide show to display images and asking the students to identify what is happening. Teacher will elicit responses and stress on the action words.

I would like to add that a novice teacher should try to keep the two separate when planning a lesson; however, with experience they can be gradually clubbed together transiting a warmer into context setting.