Dramatic Detail

Scripture: Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will learn Jesus is watching over us even if it seems he is “asleep”.
  • Students will learn Jesus wants us to have faith and trust in him.
  • Students will learn nothing is impossible for God if it is His will.
  • Students will learn how to add detail to writing.

Guiding Question: How can students create realistic stories?

Materials: Paper, pencils

Procedure: Share the story of Jesus Calms the Storm from the scriptures above. Emphasize that Jesus is always watching over us no matter what, just as He was watching over those on the boat. Even though the storm felt impossible for them, Jesus calmed the storm because He can do the “impossible” if is His will. Jesus can do the same in your life. When things feel impossible, it is important to always turn to God and rely on Him because if it is in His will, He will make the impossible possible. Ask the students to share times when something has felt impossible and they had to rely on God to get through it. Explain that God is constantly watching over us, even if it seems like we don’t hear from Him or understand Him.

Introduce the activity. Have students go back to the story of Jesus Calms the Storm and notice the detailed description that makes a reader feel as if they were on the boat. What words were used to make readers feel that way? After students share, have the students write and share the description of an event they experienced. Then have the class help each other make the story even more realistic to read (introducing editing process, too). Students can share their final stories if time allows.

Additional Questions: How can students add detail to basic sentences?
Supplemental Activity: Gave the students basic sentences such as “The dog ran.”, I saw a bird.”, etc. Have the students work in partners to create more detailed and elaborate sentences. Allow students to share with each other.

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