On day one of class I inform the students to write me a brief biography of themselves, their families and any personal private information about themselves. This helps me to plan and prepare them on a classroom basis as well as a personal basis. This exercise gives me an idea of what I will be working with within the student as well as assest them and their outside interferance if any. This exercise will help me identify if the student will have any challenges during the course of my class as well as what they are dealing with on the outside world. It also helps me keep them motivated, encouraged and help them maintain a positive attitude, in case these obstacles arise.