Help them with the structure. A simple beginning, middle, and end work well for a child's story. The beginning can introduce the main character and the setting. The middle is where the action or problem occurs, and the end is how it gets resolved. But again, don't be too rigid. Let the child explore different ways to tell their story.
Patience is crucial. Every child progresses at their own pace. Some may catch on quickly, while others need more time. Also, encourage them to use all their senses in the story. If it's about a forest, they can describe how it smells, how the leaves feel, and what sounds they hear. This makes the story more vivid. And always be there to support and guide them.
First, encourage them to come up with an idea. It could be about their favorite toy or a recent adventure. Then, help them make a simple outline, like a beginning, middle, and end. For example, if the story is about a trip to the park, the beginning could be getting ready to go, the middle is playing at the park, and the end is coming home tired but happy.
Highlighting verbs is crucial. Point out the different verbs used to describe actions in example stories. This makes students aware of the variety of action words available.
The birth of Jesus is the most crucial point. Make sure your child understands that Jesus was born on Christmas day.
First, encourage them to read a lot. Reading exposes them to different story structures and writing styles. Second, start with simple prompts like 'Describe your day' to get them used to forming a narrative. Third, don't be too critical at the beginning. Let their creativity flow freely.
Characters are important. Help your child create interesting characters with unique personalities. For example, a shy superhero or a brave mouse. Also, focus on the setting. Is it a spooky castle or a sunny beach? The plot is another key element. It should have a beginning, middle, and end, like a problem that the character has to solve.
In fables, the moment when the moral is revealed is often a key turning point. For example, in 'The Tortoise and the Hare', when the tortoise wins the race because of his steady pace while the hare is overconfident and lazy, the moral about consistency and not being overconfident is clear. This is a great teaching turning point.
The vocabulary related to zoo animals is very important. Make sure students understand words like 'zookeeper', 'enclosure', 'habitat' etc. Also, the moral of the story, if there is one, should be emphasized.
The most important point in teaching the beginning is to set the scene clearly. It should draw the readers or listeners in. In the middle, highlighting the conflict is key. Without a conflict, the story is dull. And for the end, it should provide a sense of closure. For example, in a detective story, the beginning should introduce the mystery, the middle show the detective's investigation, and the end solve the mystery.
Remember to focus on the significance of the events. For instance, the plagues sent by God were not just random events but a way to show His power and the Egyptians' stubbornness. Also, the Passover lamb is a crucial symbol that represents sacrifice and salvation.
The most important point is Nicodemus' initial confusion. He was a learned man but still struggled to understand Jesus' teachings about being born again. This shows that spiritual understanding can be complex.