As an experienced teacher educator I recognize the importance of knowing my students. Backgrounds and experiences regardless of age. I use this document, 3 Vital Things as an early in the year/semester activity. I show the document and have the students complete 3 separate index cards or post-its with responses to the 3 questions ANONYMOUSLY. The key here is anonymously, this allows the students to be honest and gives the instructor a good feel for outside stressors without identifying specific students. The students who have issues/concerns will self-identify in the future. The important thing here is being non-judgmental from the start.