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Master the art of putting story events in the correct order from beginning to end.
Have you ever tried to put on your shoes before your socks? It feels silly, right? Stories are just like getting dressed—they have a special order that makes sense!
The Beginning is the first car on our story train. This is where we meet the characters (who the story is about) and see the setting (where the story happens). It sets the stage for everything else. We often use the transition word First to show we are starting. Imagine a story about a hungry caterpillar. The beginning is when the tiny egg sits on a leaf in the light of the moon. Without a beginning, we wouldn't know who our hero is!
Quick Check
What two important things do we usually learn at the beginning of a story?
Answer
We learn about the characters and the setting.
The Middle is the biggest part of the story train. This is where the action happens! Usually, the characters face a problem or go on an adventure. To show time is passing, we use transition words like Next, Then, or Later. If our caterpillar starts eating through all kinds of food, that is the middle. It is the bridge that connects the start to the finish. Most of the excitement lives here!
Let's put these steps in order using our transition words: 1. First, get two slices of bread. 2. Next, spread the peanut butter on one slice. 3. Finally, put the two slices together and eat!
Quick Check
Which transition word is often used to describe the middle of a story?
Answer
The word 'Next' or 'Then' is often used.
The End is the last car on the train. This is where the problem is solved and the story wraps up. We see how the characters have changed or what they learned. We use transition words like Finally, Last, or In the end. For our caterpillar, the end is when he builds a cocoon and turns into a beautiful butterfly. It gives the reader a sense of 'Satisfaction' because the journey is complete.
Identify the parts of this story: - Beginning: Sam realizes his dog, Bingo, is missing from the backyard. - Middle: Sam walks around the neighborhood calling Bingo's name and asking neighbors for help. - End: Sam finds Bingo hiding under the porch and gives him a big hug.
Can you order these events correctly? - Event A: A bright red tulip blooms in the garden. - Event B: A gardener plants a small bulb in the dirt. - Event C: The sun shines and rain falls on the soil.
Correct Order:
Which word is the best 'signpost' for the start of a story?
In which part of the story does a character usually face a problem?
The 'Setting' tells us where and when a story takes place.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to tell someone the three parts of a 'Story Train' and one transition word for each part.
Practice Activity
Draw a picture of your favorite story divided into three boxes: one for the Beginning, one for the Middle, and one for the End.