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Students learn how stories wrap up and how problems get solved.
Have you ever finished a book and felt like you just ate a delicious dessert? That's because a great ending makes everything feel just right!
The ending is the very last part of a story. It is where we say goodbye to the characters. If a story was a sandwich, the beginning and ending would be the two slices of bread that hold everything together! In the ending, the action slows down, and we find out what happens to everyone. We often call this the conclusion. It usually happens in the last or pages of a picture book.
Let's look at a simple story ending: 1. A boy loses his mittens in the snow. 2. He looks everywhere and finally finds them inside his boots. 3. He puts them on and feels warm again.
The ending is when he finds the mittens and the story stops.
Quick Check
Where do you usually find the ending of a story?
Answer
At the very end or the last few pages of the book.
Most stories have a problem, like a lost toy or a rainy day. The ending is special because it shows us the solution. A solution is how the problem gets fixed. When you reach the end, ask yourself: 'How did they fix it?' Sometimes characters work together, and sometimes they try something new to make things better. Finding the solution is like finishing a puzzle!
1. Problem: Sarah wants a picnic, but it starts to rain. 2. Action: Sarah and her Dad move the blanket to the living room floor. 3. Solution: They eat their sandwiches inside while listening to the rain. 4. Ending: The problem is fixed because they found a new way to have fun!
Quick Check
What do we call the way a character fixes a problem?
Answer
The solution.
At the end of a story, we look at the characters' feelings. Usually, their feelings change from the beginning to the end. If they were sad because of a problem, they might feel relieved or happy once the solution is found. Looking at their faces in the pictures helps us understand how the story ended. Are they smiling? Are they hugging? This tells us the story has reached a happy conclusion.
1. A turtle is scared to swim in the big pond (Beginning Feeling: Scared). 2. He takes a deep breath and jumps in with his friends (Middle). 3. He realizes swimming is fun and splashes around (Ending Feeling: Brave and Happy). 4. The story ends with the turtle sleeping soundly, proud of himself.
What is the 'solution' in a story?
If a character is crying at the start but smiling at the end, how did their feelings change?
The ending of a story happens at the very beginning of the book.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to remember: What are the two things we look for at the end of a story? (Hint: The solution and the feelings!)
Practice Activity
Pick your favorite bedtime story. After you finish it, tell a grown-up what the problem was and how the characters fixed it at the end.