At the institution where I teach, it is required and expected of instructors to carry out icebreakers on the first day of class. These activities allow for students to open up about themselves, allow them to get settled into the class, and most importantly get familiar with the person teaching them. One particular assignment that I find useful in English Composition is to assign a short essay that describes the person's name, hobbies, family life, goals, and program of study. Not only do I get a chance to grade on proper essay format, but it gives me a chance to learn something extra from each of my students.