First Test

Have students title their paper "Teacher." Then, ask them to answer all parts of each question. The questions might include Where was I born?, What does my father do for a living?, How many brothers and/or sisters do I have -- if any?, How many different states have I called home?, Where did I go to high school and college?, How old am I?, What is my favorite color?, What kind of car do I drive? The test can be as long or short as you wish; make the questions fit the things you would want them to know. You can imagine the looks on their faces when asked these questions. I tell them they received their very first 100 in my class if they answered all of the questions correctly! At the end of the "test," I give the answers, and the kids marvel at the discrepancy of their answers.

The More Important Book
On the first day of school, read to students a popular favorite -- The Important Book, by Margaret Wise Brown. It's a wonderful, repetitive book that tells the "important thing" about a variety of things, such as a spoon, an apple, the wind, etc. After we read the book and discover its repetitive form, we write our own More Important Book. Each child tells about himself or herself, following the format of The Important Book." The children end, as the book does, by repeating the first line, "But, the most important thing about (child's name) is that he or she _____." Each child is responsible for a "most important thing" page, which becomes part of the class book. This is a wonderful and fun way to get to know one another, and the book is read throughout the year.

Alphabetical Roll
After introducing yourself, create some chaos. Tell students they have three minutes to complete their first assignment: "Sort yourselves in alphabetical order by last name." After the initial shock and after they succeed, remind them how capable they are to handle their first day, and every day, by asking questions, getting help from others, working together, trying and evaluating strategies to "just do it"! Whatever "it" might be, they can do it!

10 Keys to Learning 
Use a key pattern to create ten colorful keys, each with one of the following sayings: 1)Know what the problem is asking; 2)Organize your thoughts; 3)Allow enough time to get things done; 4)Ask for help if you don't understand; 5)Set goals; 6)Do your own work; 7)Take time to do things right; 8)Use reference materials such as the dictionary and the internet; 9)Be an active listener; and 10)Reward yourself when your goals are achieved. Post the keys on the board or the chalkboard topper.

CLASSROOM RULES

Respect for Self

I will always do my best

I will positively participate in all classroom activities

Respect for Others

I will stay on task without disturbing or distracting others

I will not use ‘put downs’ or harass others

I will respect other people’s differences and opinions

Respect for School

I will raise my hand to speak

I will enter and exit the room quietly

I will complete all assignments on time

I will actively listen when the teacher is speaking

Under-the-desk Q&A

I found this fun activity on the MiddleWeb listserv; it was posted by Andrea, a fifth-grade teacher in Florida. She uses this activity to share classroom procedures. Before the students arrive, she tapes an index card under each student's desk. A numbered question is written on each card. When it's time to talk about class rules and procedures, the teacher asks students to check under their desks. The students find the index cards, and the teacher calls on the student who found the question with the number 1 on it. The student reads aloud the question. For example: "Mrs. S, when can I sharpen my pencil?" The teacher excitedly replies, "Oh, John, what a wise question!" or "Oh, Tricia, I'm so glad you thought to ask that question!" Then the teacher shares the procedure, rule, or information prompted by the question. Continue around the room until all the questions have been asked and answered.

Attitude is everything

Write the word attitude on the board or a chart in this way:

A = _____
T = _____
T = _____
I = _____
T = _____
U = _____
D = _____
E = _____

Have students write the same thing on a small sheet of paper. Then instruct students to write on the line the number that corresponds to each letter's position in the alphabet (for example A = 1, B= 2, C = 3 ...). Finally have students add up the numbers on the lines. What is the answer? The answer is 100, proving that attitude is 100 percent -- attitude is everything! Use this activity to lead into a discussion about the importance of attitude. Why is having a good attitude important? How do you recognize a "good attitude" in a person? Create a poster that has the ATTITUDE addition problem on it in large letters and numbers; the poster will serve as a constant reminder of the importance of a good attitude in your classroom.

Products & Possibilities

No matter what your subject area, break out of the ordinary and do something EXTRAORDINARY!