Spencer Kagan, author of "Cooperative Learning," recommends having students play a ball toss game to learn each other's names. After students stand in a circle, one student should toss a softball to another and say, "Hello, my name is George." The student who catches the ball says, "Hello, George. My name is Landon." He then passes the ball to someone else. Play continues until each student has shared his name.
Students can get to know each other by creating personalized Wanted posters. Show students examples of Wanted posters and how they contain a picture of the person wanted and also some things about her. On a piece of paper, each student should draw a self-portrait. Under the portrait, she can write why she is wanted. For instance, if she excels at ballet, he could write, "Wanted for awesome ballet skills," and then share the information with her classmates and tell about her hobby or skill. Younger students can draw a picture of something they do that they might be wanted for.
Children can make individual time capsules at the beginning of the year to open on the last day of school. They can use a paper towel roll and fill it with a writing prompt, such as, "What would you like to accomplish this year?" They can also fill the capsule with pictures of things that are meaningful to them at the time. Have them share what they are placing in the time capsule with their classmates. At the end of the school year, when they get the time capsules back out, they will be able to compare their handwriting and see if they have accomplished their goals.
Purchase a blank wooden puzzle at your local craft store. Make sure it has enough pieces so that each student in the class can have one piece. On the first day of school, have children draw their name on a puzzle piece with markers or paints. If there is room, they can also draw a few items that represent some of their interests. When the children are done, put the pieces together. You can also glue the finished puzzle to a bulletin board so that students can look at it throughout the year.