It was very high interest and the kids really loved it. I'm thinking of doing the same thing this year. Introduce yourself, tell some stories. I start off the year telling kids who I am and why I teach. I bring in pictures of my family and pets.
Kids make a natural connection to animals.
Ranger is a 120 lb. They have heard all the rumors of 8th graders stuffing 6th graders into garbage cans. It opens the door to communication. Pam Pam, I like the idea about the personal stories at the beginning of the year.