This isn't really a lesson, but more of a getting-to-know your students activity. Rather than use a plain interest inventory during my practicum class, I decided to use something more hands-on. I printed a cube template (see link) and then blew it up at a copy shop by 100% on 11x17 paper. I wrote things like, "My favorite book is___," "my favorite subject is ____," "I have visited these places ______," "I am a good reader when ____" and so on on each face of the cube. On the top of the box I had them draw a picture of themselves. Before they glued it together I had them decorate it. To get a better sense of their writing ability I had the students stick a "secret note" inside the box where they told me something crazy or unusual about themselves. I made a box too, and the kids had fun learning about me as well. I did this with 3rd graders, and it went over very well.