First dayThis song idea helps with taking roll and learning classmates namesSubject:Music Grades:PreK, K Title Guess whos coming to school today?By Jeanean ScottPrimary Subject MusicSecondary Subjects -Grade Level PreK- KThis lesson is one that I do every morning with the kids in my class. This can be sung to any tune you like.Guess whos come to school today?School Today(Repeat (3) TIMES)(You point to one child at a time and thenthe child say his/her name)Then the class saysHello ______________Then the child saysHello, EverybodyRepeat this until all children have had a chance to say hello.E-MailJeanean Scott!Back to School Back PackI introduce myself to my class by bringing a backpack to school. In it I put several things that tell something about me: my favorite book, a picture of my family, a stuffed frog (since I collect them), a picture I have painted, etcAfter the students have arrived, we sit together on the floor to get to know each other. I start with myself by pulling one item out at a time and discussing how it relates to me. I make sure the items can be handled by the children so that I can pass them around. When I am done, I go around the circle and have each student share one thing about himself or herself.I also let the students know that they may visit the backpack and look at everything again during center time.I know of another teacher who sends the backpack home each day until everyone has had a day. The student selected to carry the backpack home returns with 2 or 3 things and gets to share with the class.

Second day Get to know you bagsDuring Open House I give my new students their first assignment. I supply a white paper bag for them to fill with five items that will tell the class a little about them. They fill the bags with pictures, magnets, small stuffed toys, medals, past report cards, awards, etc. Throughout the first day each student will share whats in their bag and why. I also fill a bag myself and go first. I show enthusiasm about every item that they show, they love the individual attention! Bob Rickert, 3-2, 3-5Subject:Other Grades:3, 4, 5, 6 By Nicole FontaineThis is a simple lesson to get your students talking and learning about each other during the first days of school. Make up a sheet that starts off with Find someone in our class who and list several different statements such as has more than 4 siblings, has been to a different country, or has a funny talent, etc. Next to each statement, leave a blank line or box. (List one statement per each student in the class, maybe a couple extras if you want to join in.)Each student receives one of these sheets and a pencil, and walks around the room to find a classmate that fits one of the statements. When they do, they ask that person to sign their paper for them. The trick is, they can only have each classmate (or you) sign ONCE. Sometimes, students will realize that they should first find people who fit into harder descriptions such as has been to another country rather than has a family pet. This really strikes up the conversations! Any way they attempt it, they will learn a lot about you and their new classmates.As a follow up, you can read through the sheet after and ask how many students fit each description, and even ask them to describe it further (if it involves a funny talent, or weird family pets, etc.). Kids love this and it gives them a chance to get to know the teacher, which can help them relate to you right off the bat!

Pen PalsScience/Movement ActivityIn this activity, children will discuss the sounds that different animals make. Then they will play a listening game, using the animal sounds they've discussed.WHAT YOU NEEDFarm Animal Word Cards(print and copy, optional)WHAT TO DO1. Discuss with children the sounds that different farm animals make, inviting volunteers to make the sounds. You may want to review the sounds by singingOld MacDonald, including the following animals: cow, dog, duck, hen, horse, pig, rooster, sheep.2. Next, tell children that they will play a listening game called Pen Pals. Cut out the word cards from theFarm Animal Word Cardssheet (make enough copies so every child can have a card) and distribute a card to each child. Tell children not to reveal the name of the animal on their cards. Assist any child who needs help reading the word on his or her card. (You may want to simply assign each child an animal by whispering the name of the animal in the child's ear.) Be sure that there are at least two children assigned to the same animal.3. Then choose spots in your classroom that can serve as make-believe "pens" for the different animals. (If you use the animals listed above, you will need eight pens.) Point out to children where the pens are. Now they are ready to play the game. Explain that their goal is to go to their pens, but first they must find their pen pals (other children with the same animal card). The catch is that they cannot use words to find their pen pals. Each child must make the noise of the animal on his or her card (or the animal you assigned them). Once all the pen pals are together, they can go to their pen. The game is over when all the animals are in their pens.TEACHING OPTIONS Play Pen Pals outside and turn it into a race. The first group of pen pals to get to the correct pen wins. Tape-record children making the sounds of different farm animals (one animal at a time). Then play the tape and have children take turns naming the animal that goes with each sound