Melissa, You might want to consider giving them a RAP on the Syllabus, that you handout the first day, then you can spend the first day listening to the students talking about their expectations, hopes, concerns for the course or you can do some team building exercises the first day. This would let them read the nitty-gritty stuff in the syllabus and do a practice RAP on day 2. just another way to let the students know from day 1 that this class will be different. Bill Bromer Bill Bromer a.k.a. bb "...teaching occurs only University of St. Francis when learning takes place." 500 N. Wilcox Ken Bain, pg 173 Joliet, IL 60435 What the Best * College Teachers Do Phone: (815) 740-3467 Fax: (815) 740-4285 E-mail: [log in to unmask] >>> Melissa Michelson <[log in to unmask]> 7/2/2008 11:33 PM >>> I'm trying TBL for the first time this coming fall. The class meets MWF and the term starts on a Wednesday. I don't think that gives the students enough time (between Wed and Friday) to do the reading for the first RAP. I figure I should give them until that next Monday. So what do I do on Friday? -Melissa