Introducing children to each play center will help get them excited for all the fun that can be found in the classroom. Assign each student to a center such as blocks, art supplies, books and pretend play. Place no more than four students in each center. While students play, walk around to demonstrate the features of each center and explain the rules. This helps you introduce rules in a concrete way that children will understand. Set a timer and have students rotate to a new center every 10 minutes.
You'll need to establish control from the moment students walk into the classroom, and games are an enjoyable way to show students that you are the boss. Play a version of "Simon Says," substituting your own name for Simon. Praise students who listen carefully and follow your directions correctly. You might also create a simple clapping game. Clap a short rhythm and and students to repeat it. Continue creating more elaborate rhythms for as long as children can keep you.
Use artwork to get to know your students, and to help them get to know one another. Send a letter home a few weeks before school asking each child to bring in family photos that he can cut up. Pass out paper and invite students to make "all about me" books or collages. They may glue on their photos, then add illustrations of their favorite things. Teachers can create their own books as well. Invite everyone to take turns presenting and explaining her creation to the class.
Asking students to make predictions will help you give them realistic expectations about the coming school year. Give each child a turn to say what he thinks will happen that year, such as field trips he thinks the class will take or lessons he thinks he'll learn. When every child has had a turn, tell children what you have planned for the year. This is a chance for you to reassure nervous children who have no idea what to expect. Record all the predictions so you can read them back to the class at the end of the year.