"Welcome to [insert one of seven classes that I teach here]!" I begin my salutations and tell the kids that I prefer to take the monotony out of their first day by doing something different than going over the syllabus, policies, and procedures. "We're going to do an ice-breaker instead." (enter the dramatic teen groans) "There's candy ..." After seeing them perk a little I think, "Okay, not too lame so far." A few dramatic reenactments, corny jokes, and anecdotes later I'm officially that teacher who's "crazy - but in a good way." Success! Now all I have to do is learn all of their names, lull them into a sense of security with me and in my class, and then ... you know, teach. This year is going to be easy as pie. Mmmmm, pie. When's lunch?
