Help children see all the similarities they have by playing a group game. Have children stand in a circle, then list a characteristic such as "has brown hair" or "is wearing something red" or "has an older sister." Each child who fits this characteristic must step into the circle. Ask these children to shake hands and introduce themselves to one another. Continue until every child has gotten to be in the inner circle at least a few times.
Photo books allow children to match their classmates' names to their faces. As children enter the classroom, take photos of their faces. Copy each photo onto paper, and write the child's name underneath. Let each child decorate the rest of the page with pictures of her family or her favorite things. Staple all the pages together to make a book to keep on the classroom bookshelf, or create copies of the book so each child can take one home.
Shy preschoolers may feel more comfortable meeting each other one-on-one, so set up a variety of two-person centers throughout the room. You may set out piles of blocks in different corners, or arrange small art centers at the tables. Assign two children to each area. Preschoolers may be too focused on their block towers or pictures to talk to one another, so teachers must circulate to encourage children to introduce themselves and start conversations. After 10 minutes, rotate children to different areas to work in new pairs.
Children may be more comfortable introducing themselves to a large group if they have a comforting and familiar prop in their hands. Invite each child to bring in something special from home, such as a favorite stuffed animal or a treasured toy. While children are sitting in a circle, ask each child to introduce herself and explain her object and its significance to the class. Invite children to ask one another questions about their objects.