The first day of class shapes the whole term. In that first hour, students decide what kind of class this will be, whether they belong, whether you are approachable, and whether the course is worth their effort. A first day spent only reading the syllabus aloud answers none of those questions well, and it wastes a rare moment when every student is paying attention.

Aim the first day at a few goals: set the tone you want to live with, help students feel they belong and can succeed, make expectations clear, and give them a taste of how the class will work. Hit those, and you start the term with momentum and goodwill that pay off for the whole term.