Classmate introductions are imperative on the first day of school. Introductions should not only include the child's name, but also interests and hobbies. Creating a checklist of items to be covered during the introduction speech may be helpful for students who tend to be on the shy side.
Prior to the first day of school, create a word find using all of the student's first names. This activity will help the class recognize the names of peers. Once everyone has finished the word find, each student should be asked stand in front of the class and say his name.
Using crayons or markers, each student should draw a self-portrait on a large piece of construction paper or cardstock. Once the students have finished, the portraits should be hung on the classroom wall. While it appears this idea is better suited for younger students, children in higher grade levels may also enjoy this activity.
Ask students to write a letter to themselves which explains how they are feeling on the first day of school and what they hope to accomplish throughout the year. Put each letter into an envelope and, as a bonus, include a current picture of the student. Seal the envelopes and mark them to be opened during the last week of school. A younger student can be asked to draw a picture of herself, rather than write a letter.
Whether used in textbooks or novels bookmarks are a necessity during the school year. Have each students create several bookmarks out of cardstock. The bookmarks should be labeled with the students' names and can be decorated using markers, crayons or stickers.
Write the first sentence of a collaborative story on the whiteboard then ask a student to provide the next sentence. Continue around the class until everyone has provided a sentence for the story. Read the entire collaborative story aloud. This exercise should serve as a fun icebreaker and create much laughter in the classroom. Younger students can say the next sentence out loud whereas older students should be asked to write the next sentence on the whiteboard.