[KateHoca]

Thanks for all the advice - I appreciate it.

I think group dynamics has a lot to do with it. They are three men who are all middle-aged and all three of them have some bizarre complexes and personal issues that come out in class.

I actually had quite a breakthrough with them the other day. We are watching "My Neighbor Totoro" piece by piece and talking about different issues that come up in the film. They opened up a lot about their childhood and what they believed in as children. We also talked about chores, family dynamics, and superstitions. At first they thought the film was childish but after a few minutes they were getting into it and they wanted to talk about the film and themselves. It was quite a surprise. One of the students was even singing the theme song as he left the classroom (!!!)

Anyway, thanks again, I will keep experimenting and see what else makes these guys excited about talking.