How do we know when to start stories? One indicator is the kids’ boredom with one word images or with anything that doesn’t have action in it. Static images can only be done for so many weeks. Then we have to get things going with some good, simple story scripts. We can only ask a certain number of times if the dog is mean or kind, big or small, smart or stupid, what color it is, etc.
Of course, as mentioned here before, the magic word in the One Word Image process, in order to give it wings, is “where”. Now it can become a story. But stories that begin as one words don’t have the safety of a good script. So, we consider saying good bye to the Circling with Balls/Cards cards and the one word images after say, the first six to twelve weeks of the year. The action of the stories brings more focus, better discipline, from the kids. And, of course, more personalization.