Lesson Starters - Setting the Scene

Some of the best attention grabbers are the most simple ones.  The key is to mix it up and provide unique variety.  Trying to avoid predictable beginners is difficult when your days are filled with lessons.  I once began a lesson on the Bugonic Plague with the words on the board: THE LAST PERSON TO WALK INTO THE ROOM HAS THE PLAGUE!

As the unfortunate pupil came in the majority of the class caught onto the joke and behaved exceptionally cautious.  I approached him with a hanky held over my mouth and nose (due to fear of Miasmas) and told him to sit away from the other pupils.  I had prepared a sign to hang over his neck which read: PLAGUE - DO NOT COME NEAR ME.  I AM DEATH.  For the next 5 minutes we used our previous knowledge to determine how the disease was 'apparently' spread and how this pupil should be treated (based on Remedies from the Middle Ages).

This lesson starter worked a treat.  The class were attentive, interested and enjoying themselves.  The boy in question was quite happy to play the part and was not scarred by the experience.  I'll use this as an attention grabber in the future.