Author:  Laura Smeltz 
               FIRST DAY ACTIVITIES: Me Boxes

  TEACHER'S NOTE: I have my children bring "Me Boxes" (shoeboxes) to
  school the second week of school. (They have the weekend to fill it
  with 6 or 7 things to tell about themselves.)

     1) I introduce the homework project by sharing your own "Me Box".

     2) Share the boxes with partners the first day and then with the
     whole class the rest of the week.

     3) After everyone has shared their box (it takes a couple of days!)
     have students brainstorm all kinds of ideas to write about during
     Writing Workshop.

  TEACHER'S NOTE: The kids write their own list of things they can
  write about in their writing folders. They refer to these ideas
  throughout the year.  It is a great way to get kids writing
  about what they know!