The first day of class in a new semester is always stressful for both the professor and the student. Humor, describing a situation that occurred with me, allows them to relax a little and personalize me as accessible human. Secondly, I reassure them that by placing in groups of 4. They communicate with other students. The personal connection of the smaller groups collectively discussing the overall goal of passing the class, provides the connectivity to relax and be successful. I ask them to create a group name and elect a team leader. More activities that allow them to interact, communicate fears, and connect to a common goal. In the classroom setting of 40 students, stress levels are high. Students feel alone and somewhat lost. I find these techniques on the first day of class reduce stress on the individual students, and make them feel at ease in this new classroom environment.