Top 6 Best Lessons on 'Practicing Imaginary Storytelling' for 6th Grade

I - ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE TO MASTER

- While real-life stories are based on actual events, imaginary storytelling involves creating tales from one's imagination. These stories are not only made up but also involve adding an imaginative twist to real-life situations.

- The imagination in such stories must follow logical patterns, not just random ideas. In other words, the storytelling must be grounded in reason, with each imagined scenario rooted in real-life experiences.

II - PRACTICE GUIDELINES

Begin by reviewing five topics from the textbook (page 134). Pick the one that excites you the most, as this will help you engage more easily with the topic and build your narrative. Afterward, organize your thoughts and create an outline for your essay.

* Suggestions for each storytelling theme:

- Topic 1: Imagine the battle between Sơn Tinh and Thuỷ Tinh, but with modern technology like helicopters and amphibious vehicles.

- Topic 2: Picture a meeting with Saint Gióng, who, though a child from Phù Đổng village, offers you advice (e.g., to eat well, study hard, and excel in science to achieve great heights).

- Topic 3: Visualize yourself suddenly transforming into one of the animals mentioned. While there are fun aspects, you will quickly want to return to being human because of the dangers animals face.

- Topic 4: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various modes of transport. In a debate, each party focuses on the flaws of the others' choices. How would you mediate?

- Topic 5: Imagine visiting your old school after finishing university or starting your career. You reunite with past teachers, classmates, and witness how things have changed since your time there.

Complete exercises 1, 2, and 3 on page 69 of the Workbook (SBT) for Grade 6, Volume 1:

Exercise

1. Continue the opening paragraph of an imaginary essay about visiting your school ten years from now, using the following words and sentence starters:

It has been ten years since I last attended this school... Returning today, I feel a mix of excitement and nostalgia. The road... the school gate... the school building...

2. Continue the paragraph recounting a reunion with your former teachers, starting with the following sentences:

This is Mr. Minh, my Math teacher. He used to... Now...

This is Ms. Loan, my Literature teacher...

This is Mr. Hung, my Geography teacher...

3. Write a concluding paragraph for the essay imagining a visit to your school ten years later.

Suggested Answer

1. Although descriptive writing is studied in the second semester, students can still provide simple descriptions like: a straight road to school, a tree-lined path, or a neat and newly renovated school, including the administration building and classrooms...

2. Imagine a memory from your Math teacher (He used to...) and now, after ten years (Now...). Many teachers have aged, with some gray hair, but their eyes still shine with warmth and affection. Their eyes reflect happiness when they see how we’ve grown...

3. There are many ways to write a conclusion. Here’s one for reference:

After ten years, the school has changed a lot, and so have the teachers. We have all changed as well. However, one thing remains constant: our deep love for our teachers, our gratitude for our school, and the emotional bond we feel toward the place where we learned and grew.

Assignment A, page 139, 6th Grade Literature, Volume 1:

Imagine you're a familiar object or animal and narrate the bond between you and this item or creature.

Introduction: Take on the role of the object or animal and introduce the relationship with its owner.

Main Body:

Describe what the object or animal is and what made it stand out to you initially.
Explain why the object or animal became the possession of its owner.
Share the early feelings and experiences when you first interacted with it.
Reflect on the memorable moments and the strong connection you share with the object or animal that makes you inseparable.
Conclusion: Express your thoughts and emotions towards the object or animal.

Assignment B, page 139, 6th Grade Literature, Volume 1:

Change the narrative perspective to reveal the inner thoughts of a favorite character from a folk tale (e.g., Thach Sanh).

Introduction: Assume the role and introduce the character.

Main Body:

I am Thach Sanh, a person of good nature, though tragically, I am often deceived by cunning people.
I have strong faith in justice, which is why I refrain from seeking revenge on the villains.
I feel deep sorrow when those I consider close and loyal betray me.
With the princess, I saved her, a kind-hearted, beautiful, fragile woman who couldn't express her feelings to her father but silently supported me.
Only my magical lute understands my feelings. I am angered by how Li Thong deceived me and stole my credit; such cruelty is unimaginable.
Conclusion: By embodying the character, I realize their inner emotions and thoughts.

Assignment C, page 139, 6th Grade Literature, Volume 1:

Imagine a new ending for a folk tale (Soi Dua).

Introduction: Present a new conclusion for the story.

Main Body:

The two older sisters believe their younger sibling has died and fake their mourning.
Soi Dua calls his wife, and the two sisters are shocked and embarrassed, secretly leaving.
Over two years, neither Soi Dua nor the villagers hear from the two sisters.
In truth, they are ashamed and moved to a new land to start a life of honest work. Two years later, they are successful, but still regret their past jealousy. They decide to share their wealth with the poor and return to apologize to Soi Dua and his wife.
Soi Dua and his wife, seeing their remorse, forgive them. They all live happily ever after as one family.
Conclusion: The story ends with a peaceful resolution.

Preparing an outline for a fictional story

a. Use the voice of a familiar object or animal to tell a heartfelt story about the bond between you and that object or animal.

Introduction: Imagine becoming the animal, introduce yourself and describe your relationship with the owner.

Main body:

- Recount the early days of becoming the animal in the owner’s house.

- The initial feelings and impressions of the animal towards the owner.

- Describe the animal’s daily activities while living with the owner.

- Share the most memorable experience you had with this animal.

Conclusion: Express your feelings for the animal.

b. Change the narrative perspective to express the emotions of a character from a fairy tale that you like.

Introduction: Become the character Ma Luong from the story (The Magic Paintbrush) and tell the story.

Main body: Tell the story from the first-person perspective (using 'I').

- When Ma Luong diligently practices painting and receives the magic paintbrush.

- Ma Luong is imprisoned by the greedy landlord who wants to steal the magic brush.

- Ma Luong escapes but is later ordered by the king to paint dragons, phoenixes, and gold.

- Finally, Ma Luong paints a sea wave that drowns the greedy king.

Conclusion: Share Ma Luong’s emotions and his desire for a life of kindness and prosperity for all.

Practice

Question 1 (page 134, 6th-grade Vietnamese textbook, Volume 1):

Introduction: Recount the origin of the long-standing rivalry between Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, and the time of the battle (e.g., the flood season of 2017).

Main body:

- The scene before the battle:

+ The sky is dark, with flashes of lightning and thunder...

+ The mighty armies of both sides: Son Tinh

+ People are panicked, scared, screaming...

+ News reports everywhere announce the fierce battle about to happen.

- During the battle:

+ Son Tinh organizes the army, coordinating forces and resources: towering buildings, smartphones calling for reinforcements from riversides and embankments...

+ Thuy Tinh uses magic to summon winds and rain. Riverbanks overflow, flooding rice fields, and salty sea water invades coastal areas...

The sea gods, like the God of Fish and the God of Crab, follow Thuy Tinh’s orders, flooding a vast region.

- The end of the battle:

+ Despite battling Thuy Tinh day and night, Son Tinh does not forget his duty to help his people, using planes to evacuate them to safety.

+ Eventually, Thuy Tinh grows weak and cannot break the strongholds, losing the battle and retreating, still harboring resentment.

Conclusion: I admire the triumph of goodness over evil.

Question 2 (page 134, 6th-grade Vietnamese textbook, Volume 1):

Introduction: The dream of meeting Saint Giong.

Main body:

- The scene when I meet Saint Giong: I got lost in a bamboo forest, and Saint Giong appeared to help me.

- The image of the hero in my dream: a majestic stance, wearing an iron helmet, riding an iron horse, holding a bundle of bamboo.

- I express my wishes and ask Saint Giong for the secret to becoming a heroic figure with extraordinary strength.

- Saint Giong advises me to study diligently and strengthen my body to become someone with both intellect and physical strength, thus benefiting society.

- After speaking, Saint Giong...

Conclusion: I wake from the dream and remember Saint Giong’s advice, promising to study and train hard.

Question 3 (page 134, 6th-grade Vietnamese textbook, Volume 1):

Introduction: The reason I turned into a mouse.

Main body:

- At first, I felt like crying, everything seemed unfamiliar.

- The interesting things: Objects that were once small in my hands now appeared enormous; meeting the mouse community, being able to crawl everywhere...

- The difficulties: I became afraid of cats, my teeth grew long, and I had to gnaw on things to trim them...

Conclusion: After three days as a mouse, I learned an important lesson and promised not to repeat my mistakes, so I can live as a human again.

Question 4 (page 134, 6th-grade Vietnamese textbook, Volume 1):

Introduction: A heated argument between three modes of transport when everyone else was out, and I was at home alone. The debate was intense.

Main body:

- The argument:

+ The bicycle claims to be the easiest and safest to ride, plus it’s good exercise for the owner.

+ The motorcycle argues: I deserve more love from my owner, I’m faster, save time, unlike the slow bicycle that always makes the owner late for work and school.

+ The car interrupts: How can you compare to me in speed and luxury? Driving a car is far more sophisticated and comfortable. In this modern world, who wants to ride a bicycle or motorcycle when you can travel in comfort?

+ The bicycle responds: Don’t you realize how much the environment is being harmed? The earth is heating up and the ozone layer is depleting because of you! Even in developed countries, people prefer cycling for leisure.

+ The vehicles continue to argue fiercely.

- My intervention:

I step in to mediate the discussion: Each vehicle has its own advantages depending on the situation, and no one should compare them.

- The three vehicles fall silent, lowering their heads and murmuring, "Yes, you’re right."

Conclusion: The lesson for everyone is clear.

Question 5 (page 134, 6th-grade Vietnamese textbook, Volume 1):

Introduction: The opportunity for me to return to school after ten years away. What was I like at that time, and how old was I?

Main body:

- The first sight of the school: a grand and magnificent building.

- The changes at school: new, spacious campus, modern classrooms, and a large, beautiful playground. The old tree I used to play under was gone, replaced by younger saplings...

- The teachers: the old ones are still here, but there are many new, younger teachers. All these changes bring back memories of my school days.

- The memories flood back as I compare the past with the present.

- My emotions: deeply moved, reflecting on the time that has passed.

Conclusion: Returning to reality, I feel a tinge of sadness thinking that one day I will have to leave this school, but I promise to cherish these moments and remember them fondly in the future.

Answer to Question 1 (page 139, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 1):

Tell a story of what happens ten years (or twenty years) later when you return to visit the school you currently attend.

Consider the following outline:

* Introduction: What year will it be ten years from now? How old will you be? Will you still be in school or already working?

- Why are you visiting the school again? (For instance, on the occasion of the school year opening or National Teachers' Day)

* Body:

- What emotions do you feel before visiting? Nervous, anxious, worried?

- What changes have occurred at the school after ten years of absence? Any additions or subtractions, new buildings, gardens, old classrooms?

- How are the teachers, both old and new? Teachers like the class teacher, headmaster, security guard?

- How are your old classmates doing, and how do you reminisce about past friendships?

* Conclusion:

- A tearful farewell...

- Lasting impressions of the visit.

Sample Essay:

Time passes quickly, and it has already been ten years. I am now a first-year university student. Today, I have the opportunity to visit my old, beloved school, and a wave of nostalgia fills my heart.

The old school appears before me, filled with memories that are both familiar and slightly foreign. My bike moves slowly along the narrow path. The old entrance gate has now been replaced with a taller one that reads 'Nguyen Du Secondary School' above. I recall those days when I would rush to school late, knocking on the security guard's door to be let in after the gate had closed.

Entering the school grounds, the changes become even more evident. The classrooms I once studied in have been replaced with a shiny new high-rise building. The old classrooms are gone, but I can still feel the presence of classmates like Lan, Hong, and Thang... We used to play here, right near the old tree that is still standing, though older and slower than before. I approach it, seeing the faded carvings on its bark from years gone by.

Next, I visit the school’s administration area, which has been slightly renovated but retains its original charm, standing proudly amidst the shade of the trees we planted when the school was new. In the breeze, I hear soft whispers, as if the trees themselves are greeting me. The familiar sign under the tree reads 'Memory Tree of Class... Year...'. The school yard is quiet, as it's class time. I hear the sound of teachers' voices echoing warmly from the classrooms. A deep longing for my teachers and classmates fills my heart. Since we parted, I have lost touch with everyone. I especially miss my literature teacher, Mrs. Nhung, who was also my homeroom teacher. She was very strict, scolding us many times when we didn't pay attention in class. I know some classmates resented her then, but later, they confided in me that they understood her teachings only after leaving school.

Back then, we were too young, preoccupied with playing. Now, as an adult, I wish I could meet her again to share my feelings. As I lost myself in thought, I suddenly saw her. It was a surprise and a joy to see that she was still teaching here after all these years. I hurried over, greeting her happily:

- Hello, teacher! Do you recognize me?

She squinted, adjusting her glasses:

- Who are you?

- I’m Lan, from class 6C2, ten years ago.

We started chatting excitedly. Now, I had the chance to really look at her face. Years had passed, and her face was marked by wrinkles, her eyes not as bright as before, but her gaze was still gentle. Her hair, once black, now had many streaks of gray. I felt a deep sympathy for her, knowing her personal life wasn’t very happy. She had poured all her love and care into her students.

We walked around the school, reminiscing about old times. Walking with her, I felt like a child again, returning to those innocent school days. She was as kind and caring as I remembered. I shared with her how much affection our class had for her. She was deeply moved, and she said:

- What I taught you back then, I knew you might not fully understand at the time, but I trust that when you grow older, you will. And that's when you will become wiser in life.

- Teacher, back then we were too young to understand your love for us.

She gently ran her hand through my hair and smiled, a compassionate smile:

- I only wish for each class of students to become useful members of society. And if you ever come back to visit, I will be very happy.

The bell rang, signaling class time. I had to say goodbye to her. I promised that during the upcoming Tet holiday, our class would meet again and visit the school. As I left, gazing at the school, I felt bittersweet emotions, both joyful and melancholic. This beloved school, our second home, has been the place where so many dreams and hopes took flight. I now understand that whether it's ten years or more, I will always cherish the memories of my time as a student here.

Answer to Question 2 (page 140, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 1):

Prepare an outline for a story that imagines speaking as a familiar object or animal.

a) Use the perspective of an object or animal to tell a story about your relationship with it.

Introduction: Imagine you are an animal, introduce yourself and your relationship with your owner.

Body:

- Recount the early days when you became an animal in your owner's home.

- The animal’s first impressions of the owner.

- Describe the daily activities of the animal in the owner's home.

- Share the most memorable experience between you and the animal.

Conclusion: Express your feelings towards the animal.

b) Change the narrator to express the feelings of a character from a fairy tale you like.

Introduction: Imagine being Ma Luong from the story 'The Magic Brush' and tell the story from your perspective.

Body: Recount events in the first person (using 'I'):

- How Ma Luong practiced drawing and was given the magic brush.

- How Ma Luong was captured by a greedy landlord who tried to steal the magic brush.

- How Ma Luong escaped, only to be forced by the king to paint dragons and treasures.

- Eventually, how Ma Luong used the brush to sink the greedy king with the ocean waves.

Conclusion: Reflect on Ma Luong’s hopes for a world full of goodness and prosperity for all.

c) Imagine a new ending to a fairy tale (The Story of the Coconut Head).

Introduction: Continue the story of the Coconut Head, starting from when Coconut Head saves his wife, returns from the deserted island, holds a banquet, but keeps his wife hidden in a room. The new ending begins here.

Body:

- The two older sisters pretend to mourn their younger sister’s supposed death.

- Coconut Head calls his wife out, surprising the sisters, who feel embarrassed and leave.

- For two years, neither Coconut Head nor the villagers heard anything about the sisters.

- They had moved to a distant land, where they prospered, but felt deep regret for their earlier jealousy. They decided to give away their wealth to the poor and apologize to Coconut Head and his wife.

- Coconut Head and his wife forgave them when they saw their remorse.

- Though forgiven, the sisters continued to travel, helping the needy in many regions.

Conclusion: The story ends on a positive note.

Steps for Imaginary Storytelling

1. Topic: Tell a story about returning to your school ten years later. Imagine what changes could occur.

2. Understanding the topic:

Genre: Imaginary storytelling
Content: A visit to the old school after ten years.
Changes: People, surroundings…
Emotions, feelings:
Before saying goodbye
Before the visit
During the visit
Note: Avoid wild imagination, base your story on reality.

3. Outline:

Introduction:
The time of return to the school.
Reason for the visit:
Main body:
Before returning:
Feelings: excited, nervous…
Personal plans
At the school:
Reception: warm and welcoming
Changes: school grounds, classrooms, teachers, classmates…
School memories.
Feelings upon returning: joy, sadness…
Conclusion: Impressions of the visit.

4. Practice writing an imaginary storytelling paragraph

Instructions: Using the outline, write the introduction, conclusion, and one body paragraph.

Introduction:

Time flies by so quickly. It seems like only yesterday that I had to leave school, and now it has been ten years. Has it really been that long? Well, I’m no longer that naive student. I’ve become a colleague of Mr. Nam, the music teacher who was also my homeroom teacher during my secondary school years. After graduation, I worked in a remote mountain area and never had the chance to visit my old school. It was so sad! Just yesterday, I received an invitation to the thirtieth anniversary of the school’s founding, and I was overjoyed. I arranged my work, packed a small bag, and set off to visit my old school.

A body paragraph:

Sitting on the bleachers watching the students perform a dance for the thirtieth anniversary, my heart swelled with emotion. It’s been ten years, not too long, but also not too short to preserve everything from yesterday. Time continues to pass by, with Mr. Nam, who once taught with a guitar, still playing the same old instrument in class, though it is now covered in dust. Still, the sound of the guitar is as rich and beautiful as ever. His hair has turned gray, and he has become much thinner...

Conclusion

After saying goodbye to my teachers, friends, and the beloved school, I returned to the mountain area feeling nostalgic. This reunion filled me with many emotions. Despite struggling with the fast-paced life for survival, deep in my heart, there is always a space for the memories of my school. Every time I hear the song “I love this moment, my teacher’s hair has turned gray, gray from chalk dust, giving us the lessons…” my heart overflows with an unending longing.

Practice

Find ideas for the topic: Use the words of an object close to you to tell the story of the relationship between you and that object.

Answer:

Main ideas of the story:

The teacher falls asleep at her desk, tired from studying.
In her dream, she has a chance to talk with the desk.
The desk sadly shares its story:
In the beginning, the teacher loved me (cleaning me, neatly arranging books, etc.).
After a while, the teacher stopped caring about me.
She left things scattered, making it hard for me to breathe, tired.
I became dirty and smelly.
My surface was scratched with angry marks.
The teacher felt regretful and promised never to make the desk sad again.