What role does the anticipatory set play in a lesson plan?

The anticipatory set is a critical component of a lesson plan that serves to engage students from the outset. By capturing their attention, it prepares them for learning by stimulating interest in the topic being addressed. This phase also activates prior knowledge, allowing students to connect new information with what they have already learned. This connection is vital for deeper understanding and retention of knowledge, as it helps students contextualize the new material and see its relevance.

In contrast, summarizing lesson objectives is typically done during or after the anticipatory set, making it not directly a part of its function. Similarly, defining classroom rules and expectations is important for establishing a learning environment but does not pertain specifically to the anticipatory set. Lastly, providing a grading rubric is related to assessment, not to the initial engagement or preparation for learning that the anticipatory set is designed to achieve. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of what an anticipatory set does in a lesson plan.