Our college promotes the following first-day activity. It's called "HABES," and it comes from The Pacific Institute, I think.
H - Habits
A - Attitude
B - Beliefs
E - Expectations
S - Strategies
You ask the students questions regarding each element as they pertain to your particular course. These can be discussed or put in writing.
Here's an example for an English composition class:
What are your habits when it comes to writing? Do you write lists? Journal? Letters? Post-its? etc.
What is your attitude toward writing?
What are your beliefs about writing? Write a sentence that begins "I… >>>
