I like to try to send something home in each child's hot little hand on the first day, so this is what I sent this year. After a quick circle time where I try to get everyone sitting "criss cross applesauce" (using Herm, of course) and a story (Usually Brown Bear by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle), I let the kids go play. Because let's face it, play is all they really want to do at the beginning! So while they are playing, I circulate around, getting to know them, helping to solve problems…