1st Day

First day of school activity: How I like to learn

I work best when it is quiet	Yes	No
I can work when there is noise in the classroom	Yes	No
I like to work at a table or desk	Yes	No
I like to work on the floor	Yes	No
I like to work on an assignment until it is completed	Yes	No
Sometimes I get frustrated with my work and do not finish	Yes	No
I like to learn by moving around the room	Yes	No
I like to work by myself	Yes	No
I like to work in a group or with a partner	Yes	No

Copy the following topics on a sheet of paper and then rank each topic on a scale of 1-10. The number should indicate how confident you feel about your knowledge and ability in that topic. (1 is low, 10 is high.)

1. Writing Constructed Responses

2. Grammar

3. Reading Comprehension

4. Vocabulary

5. Spelling

6. Citing Textual Evidence

7. Analyzing a Passage

8. Identifying Literary Devices in a Passage

9. Determining the Theme of a Passage

10. Speaking in Front of the Class

11. Defending an Argument

12. Asking the Teacher for Help

Name Tag Challenge

I wish my teacher knew

Guess Who

Students become detectives in this get-acquainted game, in which they uncover the real identity of a fellow classmate. Give each student an index card and ask them to each record four clues about themselves. At the bottom of their cards, they should sign secret code names, such as Art or Skippy. Gather up the cards and, later on, hand them out randomly. Challenge everyone to find the student who matches the clues on his or her card. In this brain-boosting activity, students move from classmate to classmate asking questions to learn the identity behind the code name. The catch? They must avoid using any of the words on the clue card!