Thank you for sharing, Cynthia!
Great post! No canned responces is an excellent point!! Put the shoe on the other foot and think about the type of feedback we would want if we were the student. ;)
In addition to what you have shared, I post a "fun" picture of me with one of my dogs and ask them to feel free to share a picture of them doing an activity they enjoy, or of them and their family, etc. When we begin a class by getting to know one another this way, students are more inclined to feel comfortable reaching out and asking for assistance, clarification, etc. :)
