During registration, teachers can give instructions for each child in the class to bring a small bag with five things in it that they treasure. Each child can stand up in front of the class on the first day and describe their items and what the items mean to them. This gives kids a way of introducing themselves to classmates and tells other students what they like or treasure. It is also a way to start new friendships if other children in the class share the same interests.
Teachers can make up a five-question survey. Each child gets one survey with a child's name on it. Each child has 10 to15 minutes to spend asking the survey questions and writing down the answers with the child's name. After all the students have been interviewed, they can share what they have learned about the student they surveyed as they both stand up on the side of the classroom to address the rest of the students. Questions could probe students' interests, pets and favorite things to do after school.
Teachers can sit down during the summer and write a three- to four-page story about themselves, making enough copies for each child in the classroom. Another benefit of a teacher book is that kids can take it home so parents can get acquainted with the teacher as well. Teachers can list their likes, favorite summer or winter activities and their pets' names.
The first day of school may seem like the longest, but the time may fly once students hear how their classmates spent their summer vacation. Each child can stand up at their desk or in front of the class and tell what they did over the summer. There may need to be a time limit, but 10 to 15 minutes should be long enough. Add a friendly twist by encouraging students to ask at the end of their presentation, "Has anyone else had an experience like mine?"