I use one of the first class days of the year to show AP slides to my AP class. I bring snacks and drinks. I begin with the slides I have ordered from AP Central. This really intimidates them. Then I show slides that I have of my past students' AP work. They still comment, "What have I gotten myself into?!" and, "I might need to go get my schedule changed!". They are just kidding of course. But I do believe that a little fear at this point is a good thing - it gets them off on a serious note about the daunting task ahead. Of course I reassure them and tell them that none of them would even be in the AP class if I didn't have complete confidence in their abilities. I think it's important to set the bar high...that's what AP is all about!