At a recent team meeting we had a brief training session on how to relate a story. We used the "Relating the story" worksheet to discuss the kinds of questions and statements we can use to effectively relate a story to children.
At his next Sunday school class, one of our children's leaders raised the issue of doubts and questions with his small group of older boys. The result was a raft of questions about God and the Bible that were living just below the surface in each child's mind; "How do you know the Bible is true." "What about miracles?" And the questions went on. The leader was left with some work to do and set about finding helpful ways to handle the questions raised. Then, this week, a parent of one of the boys said that his son, who normally never talks about what happens in children's church, has been full of conversation and enthusiasm about the discussion in his group. It's certainly made an impact and it's all part of relating a story to a child that goes beyond just telling the it.
How well do you ask questions that encourage children to relate to the story? What kinds of statements draw children out, what shuts them down?For example, I will sometimes start with a "I wonder...." statement, followed by the thing in the story which I find interesting or about which I have a question.
What questions and/or statements have you found helpful? Which ones do you avoid?
You can download the worksheet here. Use it with your team.
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