Past Tense Question -1

Here is a grammar question from Angie:

Hi, Ben!

I had my first full day of classes on Friday and it went well.  I’m wondering about how to explain the difference between preterite and imperfect past tense verbs in pop-up grammar language, and any advice on using past tense in storytelling.  I know about throwing the verb behind me as I say it, and using the language naturally.  I’m not sure how to address the 2 different forms. Any advice is welcome.

Angie