The hardest thing to deal with is the late arriving or missing first day students.
The first week of class is so important for new and returning students. I have been teaching for more than 15 years and I have noticed that the more engaged the students were the first week better chance of returning the next. Hands on activities work great the first week. Getting students in the lab early, if you can safely, really gets them motivated to continue.
Enhance assimilation during the first week. Address behaviors and patterns. Attendance call as soon as you go in. Build a bond.
If you've built a strong orientation, the students will already be a little familiar with each other and the instructor
