A wide variety of nmeumonics can be used, but the best ones are often the ones you let the students come up with (if you can avoid the overly racy ones!).

Rather than use notecards, I am working on a simple webapp where students can submit one-off questions and mini-assessments.

Enthusiasm is extremely infectious. Even on a Monday morning. Coffee helps. I recommend dangerous levels of caffeine!

I have found that a few early encouragements for the older students really go a long way with ego boosting. The earlier it happens the better! Nip the feelings of inadequacy in the bud.

How do you deal with those students whose primary focus is to be the center of attention?

Some students seem to view their disability as a great shame or embarrassment. How do you get passed that to address the issues?

The key is to make eye contact without looking like you are trying to look into their souls.

First mistake I see, especially from new and young instructors is trying to befriend their students. Respect has to come first, friendship later. Many of my students are roughly the same age as I am. I will use that to help relate to them, but being too friendly is very dangerous.

I have found that posture can be a key indicator and key response when dealing with an aggressive student. A non-aggressive or passive stance can deflate a situation rather than meeting aggression with aggression.

Create notecards, one for each student with their name. Draw from that pile to determine who you call on to answer questions. Establishing that methodology cuts off some of the center of attention guys at the pass, since they can't just blurt stuff out.