1st days in self contained classes

I have a few questions for those of you who teach self contained classes. I teach 7th grade self contained (all 4 core subjects) and am at a loss for what to do the first day or two. I will have most of the same students for each class, but it could fluctuate and have someone for math, but no other subject.

I'm looking for ideas that won't seem so redundant from period to period with the same students, but fun and exciting for all. I like the idea of the toilet paper introductions from the other post but what else do YOU do? Please post some ideas.....TIA! (I'll have about 7 students in each class)

Re: 1st days in self contained classes

I teach 2-3, but you could do Four Corners. Where you call out different things and have the kids decide which corner to go to in the room (Choose your favorite sport- soccer, basketball, baseball, wrestling). Just a quick way for them to move about and get to know things about each other. You can do favorite bands, places they want to travel to, etc.

You can also play the game "Who Am I?" Every student writes one fact about his or herself on paper (you hand out the paper so it will be uniform). But you tell them to write something that NO ONE knows or would expect. (for example I wrote "I am from the land of giants" because although I am five foot 2, my brother is six foot five). Then have the kids fold their paper the same way and hand it in. At the beginning of your class pull four of the slips, call the four kids to the front of the class and call out two of the clues at a time. Ask the class to guess the correct student to match the clues. Then read the next two clues for the two remaining students. It is a really fun way for kids to read body language, interpret clues and guess who the kid is. Good way to learn names, too.