Dream Awareness Help Options

Ok so i am not sure if there has been anything posted on this i am sure there has but i will ask again. I was wondering what are some good methods to realizing that i am dreaming and to be aware of it without being all the way unconscious throughout my dream. And how could i take control once i realize that i am dreaming? Also what is the best way to build up this control of essentially waking up in my dream? I would like to be able to do this i understand it will take lots of practice which i am wiling to devote myself to. What kinds of things do some here at the community do whenever lucid dreaming? This seems to be all of my questions for now i will appreciate any help given on the matter.

Thank you both for the post Vagrant i like the way this method sounds i will try this whenever i go back to sleep which will be soon.