A few years ago my college instituted a policy that on the first day of class the instructor needs to arrive no less than 15 minutes early. I have found that this is a great tool in connecting with students. Those 15 minutes prior to class helps me to prepare as an instructor and lets the students know that I am interested in them. I have also found that just listening to the conversations the students have with each other during those few minutes lets you know what is going on with other courses or even personal situations. If a group of students is stressed about a project they have due in another class, it helps me to know their mood and possibly adjust my plan according to their stress level. I may add in some extra discussion or other activity because if I just lecture, they're not going to focus on my content, but fixate on the other project they have due and not get the material I'm covering.