Get to know your students at the start of the semester! Students will answer a variety of questions about themselves, how they learn best, things you should know about them, etc. in addition to any experience they have working with or being around young children. You can tell them that in a way it is an "application" to get into your class, complete with "interview" questions.This is a great first or second day individual activity that would allow your students to privately tell you about themse