Hi David:
First, I'll compliment you on the use of stories to help keep attention and focus. Students like stories, and when you can use the to reinforce your teaching point, they're more likely to remember the story - and your point.
A couple of alternative strategies:
* Student-led discussions. Here, the student (or student groups) actually prepare the lesson and present it to the class. You can step in to correct, or wait until they're finisished and add any clarifying points, or add additional emphasis that was missed.
* On a lighter tone, a Jeopardy-style competition between two havles… >>>
