It's extremely important. It serves as a bridge between the setup and the rising action. Without a strong end to the first act, the story may lack momentum. Consider a thriller where at the end of the first act, the hero should be faced with a clear and dangerous threat. If not, the tension won't build properly for the rest of the story.
The end of the first act can also introduce a new character or element that will drive the rest of the story. For instance, in a fantasy story, a mysterious wizard might appear at the end of the first act, bringing with him a quest for the hero to embark on. This new development creates intrigue and sets up the rest of the narrative.
You can start by choosing a simple and fun story. Then, explain the plot and characters clearly to the kids. Let them pick the roles they want to play.
I'm not sure which novel you are referring to. Different novels have different lengths for their first acts. For example, in a short novel, the first act might be only a few hundred words, while in a long epic novel, it could be several thousand words.
The key elements often include introducing the main character or characters. For example, in 'The Legend of Zelda' series, the first act usually shows Link in his starting situation, whether it's in his village or on a journey already. It also sets the basic mood, like a sense of adventure or mystery. Another important part is presenting the initial goal or problem, such as a missing item or a person in danger that the main character needs to deal with.
In the first act of a novel, setting is key. It gives the reader a sense of place and time. Also, the introduction of the main character or characters is crucial. We start to learn about their personalities, goals, or problems. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', the first act sets the rural English setting and introduces Elizabeth Bennet and her family. We quickly understand her situation and her initial view of Mr. Darcy.
Let's take 'Pride and Prejudice' as an example. The first act, which is mainly the initial introductions and setting up of the main characters and the social context, is probably around 2000 - 3000 words. But this is just a rough estimate.
The first act should establish the story's world and the protagonist's initial situation. It can also hint at the conflict or problem that will drive the plot. Make sure the tone and style are engaging from the beginning.