One of the most important things you can do at the beginning of the year is establish a connection to your kids. 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. It is so important to form a bond with Middle School Kids. You will reap benefits all year long from making this connection right from the beginning.