Children are nost often in a new classroom after summer vacation. Create a getting-acquainted activity by pairing up all the children for a book report project. Each person shares one memorable summer event while his partner writes an outline of it as if it were a book. After each child recalls his summer, students write and illustrate the story into a book report form, broken down into setting, characters and plot. The pairs then go in front of the classroom and present their reports.
Break the ice with a new group by having each child introduce the person next to him by making up two statements about him. One statement is the child's favorite color, and the other is something he likes. The children can ask each other what their names are. Make sure nobody has really talked to each other before the introductions so they are silly and completely impromptu. How it works: Group everyone into quick pairs based on where they are sitting. One child says, "This is Mary. Her favorite color is purple and she likes to eat ice cream." Afterwards, everyone can reveal real things about themselves.
Pair the children up to play news reporters. Explain to the children that everyone is going to be a news reporter and find interesting news stories about his partner. The children can ask each other questions about their families, favorite hobbies and sports. After the news reporting session is over, each reporter gives a report about his partner. Invite the class to ask each news reporter questions about his subject, such as, "What is the name of his pets?"
Break the group into pairs for a quick game between each pair. One game idea is rock, paper, scissors, where the children hold up a fist for a rock, an open hand for paper and two fingers for scissors. In the game, rock beats scissors, paper beats rock and scissors beat paper. Allow the children to play five rounds and then switch partners until everyone has played each other. A game breaks up any first-day jitters and introduces everyone to each other with a fun activity.