What is the primary purpose of the anticipatory set in a lesson?

The primary purpose of the anticipatory set in a lesson is to grab the students' attention. This initial phase is crucial because it sets the stage for learning by engaging students and piquing their interest in the upcoming material. By invoking curiosity or connecting the lesson to students' prior knowledge and experiences, the anticipatory set encourages them to become mentally and emotionally invested in the topic. Such engagement is vital for effective learning, as it creates a dynamic learning environment where students are more likely to absorb and retain information.

The other options represent different components of effective lesson planning. While providing a final check for understanding is important for assessing comprehension at the lesson's conclusion, modeling content typically occurs during the teaching phase to demonstrate concepts. Independent practice opportunities are essential for reinforcing skills after instruction, but they do not serve the initial purpose of drawing students into the learning experience at the start of the lesson.