Hi Kirk: Sure, like a trip that's planned well, vs. just head out and see what happens, eh? Keeping students informed about the daily lesson, materials they'll need, what you hope to accomplish, are important techniques. Another is periodically letting students know "where we're at in the lesson". It would seem if they're paying attent, they'd know. But I find students like hearing a brief catch up on here's where we've bee, here's where we're at, and here's where we still need to head for. Regards, Basrry