I’m a big fan of using very simple stories to explain concepts before adding complexity to the concept. It tends to work with ESOL students and reluctant readers and writers. I tend to use these three stories when doing that:
The Boy Who Cried Wolf: https://sites.google.com/view/mccoy23-24/texts/the-boy-who-cried-wolf?authuser=0
Candy Friends: https://sites.google.com/view/mccoy23-24/texts/candy-friends?authuser=0
H’s Hickory Chips: https://sites.google.com/view/mccoy23-24/texts/hs-hickory-chips?authuser=0
Carrie's Cell: https://sites.google.com/view/mccoy23-24/texts/carries-cell
Parables for Theme: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ybSXD0sqEHGR0HCS8zU5kY9SzSyVsTefJI-TfeeK6xE/edit?usp=sharing
I have websites and recorded videos for all. Feel free to use these to introduce your base concepts.