Skeleton Story
Skeleton stories, also called story frames, are story templates that provide a basic structure that students can follow when creating their own stories. Below are some examples of skeleton stories.
Skeleton story Rules
There are no hard and fast rules, as Skeleton Stories are just a template or framework that provides a basic structure for students to follow as they create their own stories. However, some tips to keep in mind while using Skeleton Stories
a. Use the skeleton story as a guide, but don’t feel limited. You can add or change details to suit your own creative ideas.
b. Make sure your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use Skeleton Stories to plan your plots and ensure they have a logical flow.
c. Add characters with unique traits and personalities to make your story more interesting. Choose an environment that suits your story and add depth to your narrative.
d. Use the details of your senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell) to create vivid and immersive stories.
e. Make sure there are conflicts and problems that your characters need to overcome to create suspense and keep the reader engaged.
f. Connect the unsolved endings and end the story with a satisfying resolution that leaves the reader feeling satisfied.
By following these tips, students can use the Skeleton as a starting point to create an engaging and well-written story.
Features of Skeleton Story
- “(Character) went to (location) to get (item).” When they got there, they met (character) who (plot). Then they encountered an (obstacle) that had to be (solved). In the end, they achieved their objective and went home with (the item). “
- “Once upon a time, there was a (character) who (description). What happened one day (event) and what the character had to do (action). Encountered (obstacles) on the way and ( In the end they learned (lessons) and everything became clear (results).”
- In a (Setting) there was a (character) who (description). What happened one day (events) and what the characters had to do (actions). but were able to (solve) with the help of (helpers).In the end, they achieved their (goal) and (result) lived.”
By using these skeleton stories as a guide, students can focus on developing the characters, settings, plots, and conflicts of their own story while following a clear structure.
Example story:
Once upon a time there was a little boy named Jack who loved exploring the woods behind his house. One day, while he was wandering among the trees, he came across a hidden cave. Jack couldn’t resist his urge to explore, so he ventured inside. As he dug deeper into the cave, Jack found himself lost in time and unable to remember which direction he came from. He panicked and ran in the opposite direction, but soon came across a large rock blocking the path.
Jack knew he had to find a way out, so he looked around and saw a small hole in the wall next to the rock. He passed through the opening and found himself in a narrow tunnel. He got on all fours until the sun finally came up. A sense of relief came over Jack as he emerged from the cave. He realized he had learned an important lesson about exploring without planning and being constantly aware of his surroundings. He returned to his home with a new appreciation for the safety and comfort of his own backyard.
In this sample his story, we find a story about a young boy who learns a valuable lesson while exploring the woods behind his house. I have characters (Jack), environments (forests and caves), events (find caves), obstacles (rocks), solutions (find tunnels), lessons (be aware of the environment), and more. Further inserted results (safely home). Using the skeleton story as a guide allowed us to create a cohesive and engaging narrative.