The Kissing Hand is the story I share the very first day of school.The kids love it, and it starts out our time together with a reassuring message.

I've kept it simple (because there is so much to get through that first day), but as I do a search, I'm finding new, fun ideas.   I like the project I found here: 

alwaysfirstgrade.blogspot.com

and the mask with the paper plate -- it has shape attributes, too!