This calms them down and prepares them mentally and physically for the days work. These vary according to the grade. They can then make changes on the board. How many words can you make using the letters in a word on the board and write some of the words found on the board when done.
Color puzzles where a number stands for a certain color.
Individual state puzzles to be done by students. A journal is not a diary of this purpose. It is a notebook to write thoughts and other things in. Write a situation on the board each day. Have the students copy these to their journal and write their answer or response.