In the 6 weeks I have my students (two 3 week classes) I use stories to relate to the subject. I have a friend (mostly made up) I call John, he is my "Dufus" that seems to always screw up or get it wrong. My stories always relate to the subject being discussed and usually have a funny part in them...that keeps the students attention. Most of the stories are short and to the point but some are a little more involved. I feel these stories break up the dull daily routine and have often had students ask for a story about John if I havent told one in a day or two. John becomes a common friend to the whole calss and seems to bring them together because I use him to make them feel better about the fact that he is much older than them but they have a better understanding of the subject being discussed. (Which proves a point that I often bring up to them...being older doesnt automatically make you smarter. And they shouldnt limit their own abilities based on the fact that they are young)