If you watch TV shows that involve the valuing or restoration of antiques, you’ll know that the appraiser or restorer will always ask the owner something like, ‘How did you come to own this object?’  They want to know the story behind the object because the story adds value.  Even if the object is not to our taste, or downright ugly, we want to know about the story.

When researchers wanted to understand the value of stories they set up an experiment.  They bought a variety of thrift store objects and hired professional writers to write fictional stories about their history.  Items they purchased for as low as a dollar at the thrift store sold online for $36.00.  It was the stories that added value to those discarded objects!

 

5 Elements that Make Stories Valuable

 

1. Characters

People that we can visualise in our minds, relate to, or imagine ourselves in their shoes.

2. Senses

Using sight, smell, taste, hearing or touch to invoke our senses to transport us into the story.

3. Events

A sequence of events so we ask, ‘What happens next?’

4. Tension

A challenge that needs to be overcome or a sudden change that obstructs a goal.

5. A Point

What is the reason for the story?  What do you want listeners to understand from listening to it?

 

Why These Elements?

 

Characters, senses, events and tension create attention.  Senses and events create memorability.  A point provides understanding.  No wonder Jesus spoke in parables, earthly stories with heavenly meanings, when teaching His disciples!

 

Children today still enjoy stories.

 

They just have more options in how they consume them!  I always like to include short stories in my Kid’s Church curriculum.

Using characters Strawback the Scarecrow and Crow who live on a farm, I’ve written about two popular parables:

Treasure in the Strawberry Patch:  The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44)  https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Treasure-in-the-Strawberry-Patch.pdf

Heart Soil:  The Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:4-15)  https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Heart-Soil.pdf

Using a treehouse series, Spud and the Figs, I’ve used the parables of The Good Samaritan and The Prodigal Son to teach children how to love and reach other kids, even those who are the most unpopular!

You’ll find the complete series here:  https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/spud-and-the-figs/

If you’d like some tips on storytelling, read these previous blogs:

How to Read Aloud:  https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/3-steps-to-successfully-reading-aloud-to-your-kids-church-kids/

Know How to Give a Children’s Talk:  https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/know-how-to-give-a-childrens-talk/

Six Storytelling Tips:  https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/six-storytelling-tips/

 

God designed us to love stories so optimise them in your Kid’s Church!  Children will give you their attention, your Kid’s Ministry will be memorable, and your children will grow in understanding!