When a Student is Unprepared

I know I'm not the only tutor who has shown up to an appointment, only to find that my student has nothing of her own to work on. Many times I scrambled to make things up on the spot -- sometimes it worked out and sometimes it was a flop. 

Teaching has taught me to expect the unexpected. Anytime I start to take something for granted - the kid will have an assignment to work on, he will have done his homework, he will have the book, he will have a willing attitude - I've often been wrong. 

So I started taking my library of short stories, worksheets, and articles around with me so I would be prepared with something in an emergency. Even when I have prepared what I thought was a great lesson, I often find that the student has a) already read the story/article; b) isn't interested at all; or c) is feeling uncooperative. 

What should I do when it seems like my preparation is as hit-and-miss as my improv lessons? 

1. I started keeping track of my core short stories and articles and marking which each student has already read. It sounds elementary, but organization has been my weakness.

2. Matching short stories and articles or debate topics that could go together based on theme or topic.

3. Have at least 3 options handy in case two fell out. 

4. Develop a 3-part lesson plan: Grammar/mechanics; critical reading; essay/topic.

5. Take notes on subjects my students are already interested in and researching to find debate topics or stories that relate (sports controversies, et.).

6. MORAL DILEMMAS - no matter what, I don't think a single student I have met has shown disinterest in moral dilemmas. These hypothetical scenarios are usually illustrating the conflict between two philosophies, like Deontology and Utilitarianism. 

7. Go to every session assuming I am responsible for the entire content of that hour. If a student has something from school to work on, great - that material gets used the next lesson. 

Flexibility and creativity have helped a lot, but now that I know my way around the curriculum I've put together, I find that my kids make more progress.