I always introduce myself to my class, with my background and some of my personal info. I believe that this gives the students an oportunity to see that we are also human and in some cases alot like our students.

I find that on the first day of my class, that when i go around the room and have students introduce themselves and say where they are from, is a great ice breaker. This also gives me as the instructor, a chance to make small talk with each student, it also turns out that alot of the student may live close to one another. This helps in recognizing some of the characteristcs of your students as well as identifying some familiararity with other students that may be able to assist students with some issues.

I am always in my classroom before any of my students arrive, this gives me an opportunity to be there when they start to come into class. I find that i can then greet students as they enter my classroom which is an icebreaker for them and myself.