Techniques for getting students of English as a second language to communicate in the classroom beginning on the first day are based on a relaxed classroom atmosphere and a well-prepared teacher. First-day activities should be well-planned, clearly presented, and move at a pace that keeps students' attention. The goal is for students to respond with a "yes" or "no" answer at least once during the period, with participation balanced among the students. To avoid the need for teacher note-taking, the period can be tape recorded. Activities that are fun, give equal opportunities for participation, help students lose self-consciousness, move from student to student, and provide encouragement are the most productive. Teachers should be careful not to inquire about students' home governments, occupations, families, or families' occupations, discussion of which could raise students' anxiety levels. Suggested first-day activities include (1) student self-introductions using descriptive adjectives or verbs beginning with their initials; (2) descriptions of students' native countries; (3) mutual interviews and introductions; (4) descriptions and discussions of fabrics; (5) descriptions and discussions of unseen objects and gadgets; (6) guessing games; (7) discussions of new uses for old items; (8) descriptions of typical native toys; (9) descriptions of pictures; and (10) building model towns and farms with blocks, tape, labels, and colored paper. (MSE)