During circle time on the first day of preschool, give students a chance to introduce themselves to the class. Ask each student to say his name and answer a simple question, such as, "what is your favorite color?" or "what is your favorite ice cream flavor?" Begin by introducing yourself and answering the question, and then allow each student time to stand up and do the same. Turn the introductions into a game as you try to go around the room afterward and remember all the names and answers; add in a few funny flavors like worm or bumblebee to get the students laughing and ease anxiety.
Use songs to welcome students to the classroom at the start of a new year. Perpetual Preschool.com suggests creating your own welcome song to the theme of a familiar children's tune, like Mary Had a Little Lamb. If possible, use your students names in the song. You might also use the song to talk about what you are going to do that day. Include a simple chorus and invite students to sing along.
Invite students to make their own name tags for their desks, suggests Preschool Rainbow.org. Give each child a piece of paper with his name written in large letters. Ask students to decorate their papers with markers, crayons and stickers. Next, take a picture of each child and place the picture on his paper. Laminate and tape to the child's desk or cubby.
Make a scrapbook for your students on the first day of school. Create a scrapbook page by typing each child's name on the top of the page, and a few "my favorite" statements on the bottom. For example, you might write "my favorite color is" and then leave a blank. Sit down with each child and ask her to fill in the blanks while you write in her responses. Next, ask each child to draw a self portrait below her name. Laminate each page and put together to make a scrapbook. When the book is complete, share it with the class.