First Day of the 2014-2015 School Year

Homework
Students and parents need to read the syllabus and return the last page signed.
Students need to starting looking for a book they will read during independent reading time.

Section 1 Activity Period
I would like you to finish up the assignment we started during the activity period.  I would like you to be ready to present your names tomorrow.  Please use the instructions below from http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/top-5-ways-get-know-your-students

"What's In a Name?": Get to Know Students and Parents

This get-to-know-you activity is called "What's In a Name?" It is a fun and easy way for kids to learn each other's names and a little bit about each other. Just give each student a "What's In a Name?" form at the beginning of the year. The form is simple — just a few questions for them to answer OR ask their parents/guardians to help them answer. Without fail, parents enjoy this beginning-of-the-year task. They often write lengthy responses about how special their child's name is to them. I've found it is a great way to get to know the parents as well! 

Here are the questions for "What's In a Name?":
What's your full name?
Were you named after someone?
What does your name mean?
What names did your parents consider before deciding on the one you have?
Why did they choose your name?
What is your name's country of origin? (ex. "Ivan" has Russian origins)
What is your nickname? How did you get that nickname?
If you could change your name, what would you name yourself?
Now.... on the bottom of this paper, please write your name in a creative way. Can you use color? Fancy writing? Swirls? Block letters? A pattern? Design something as special as YOU are!
If possible, please attach a small picture of yourself to this form. (photo will be returned.)
The kids bring back their forms, and everyone gets to share about their name in a Community Circle. I usually have kids tell us their name and then they can choose up to two other pieces of information from their form to share with the class. If a child is shy or nervous, I always allow them to simply share their name without the pressure of sharing the additional information. For some kids, it is stressful enough just to speak their name in front of a new class.