First Day of Classes?!!? What kind of advice would I give myself?

It's my first day of classes....

What are my responsibilities/duties on this important day?  

How am I going to interact with my students and how are they going to interact with me?

How am I going to connect with my students and make them connect with their fellow classmates? 

My Responsibilities 

- Learning students' names by having them introduce themselves to the class.  You can also have students play icebreaker games to help in learning names. You can write their names on the seating chart though if they sit in a different place next class that can be utterly confusing.  Just something to consider.

- Talk about syllabus and give an introduction on what the students will be doing in this class such as some of the art assignments they will do and what kind of mediums they will use. What kind of artists you will be researching and talking about.  What kind of art styles and movements you will be exploring in the class.  Incorporate as much art history as you can throughout the duration of your class without utterly boring them to death. This is also a good time to go over what kind of materials or books they may need for the class if they need any.

- Have students fill out some kind of questionnaire about themselves asking questions about what grade their in, why they chose to take this class, what are their hobbies and interests, what kind of goals or expectations do they have for this class, what are they hoping to get out of this course, what do they want to improve on art wise, what kind of concerns do they have about the class, etc.  I wouldn't ask all these questions, but perhaps narrow it down to a select few.  

- Consider what my students needs are going to be.  Have their best interests at heart, but also know what may potentially get them in trouble.

- Be on their level.  Try to connect with them in a way they can relate and understand.  These kids are going to come from a generation where they rely so much on technology, especially their cell phones.  Find a way to address the issue of cell phones on the first day.  Don't be overly strict about it, but make it known that if they are caught using their cell phones too frequently their will be some kind of repercussions.

- Just make the class fun and enjoyable!  Excite them, make them happy that they signed up for your class even if they were dreading it!  Try to engage them as much as you can on the first day and try do some kind of fun activity rather it's an icebreaker or a quick art activity.

- Lastly, and this is important...take care of yourself.  I know you'll be stressed out and anxious on the first day, but just take a chill pill.  You'll be fine!  Just breathe and meditate and relax.  Don't forget to eat!!!  When your nervous you don't want to eat, but you need to!!  You can't be a hungry zombie on your first day, you need to be awake and alert and present!

It'll go well, you'll see!  Good luck :]