# Lesson 24: Write a story with a surprise ending

✍️ WRITING (40 Lessons) • 🟡 C. Creative Writing

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## Objective

I can write a short story that has a clear beginning, middle, and end and finishes with a fun surprise that still makes sense.

## Materials

- Pencil ✏️ and eraser
- Ruled paper or tablet
- Tracing Pad (below)

Tip: Leave clues so the surprise feels fair. Don’t tell the secret too early!

## Mini-lesson — How to build a surprise ending

1. Beginning: Who is the main character? Where are they?
2. Middle: A problem or mystery grows. Add small clues.
3. Surprise Ending: Give a twist that fits the clues. Make readers say, “Ohhh!”
4. Misdirection: Point attention one way, then reveal another truth.
5. Keep it kind: Surprises should be fun, not mean.

Video won’t be included when printing.

## Guided Practice — Trace on the Pad

Trace key words, then draft a tiny story (4–5 sentences) with a surprise ending about a lost puppy that isn’t lost:

- Key words: clue, secret, twist, ending
- Example outline:
  1. Beginning: I find a puppy at the park.
  2. Middle: It wears a shiny tag with a crown.
  3. Middle: A fancy car stops—guards jump out!
  4. Surprise Ending: The “lost” puppy is the mayor’s dog on a parade practice! 🎉

Tracing Pad
Lines
Letter
Pen

## Drag & Drop — Build Clue-Filled Sentences

Drag the chips into the slots to make sentences that could lead to a surprise ending. Keep punctuation at the end.

I saw tiny paw prints by the gate.
The flashlight flickered like it was winking.
First we checked the porch then the shed.
Because the collar was shiny we knew someone cared.
Next a soft whistle came from the trees.
Finally the mystery led us back home.
My beginning tells who and where clearly.
The middle adds small clues to guide readers.
A twist should match the clues not come from nowhere.
Misdirection points one way then reveals another truth.
Keep the surprise kind and fun for everyone.
End with a line that makes readers smile.

## Quick Check (15 questions)

#### 1) A surprise ending works best when…

it has no clues at all the clues point to it it tells the ending first

#### 2) Misdirection means…

adding more characters using long words making readers look one way, then revealing another truth

#### 3) Which part should introduce who and where?

beginning middle ending

#### 4) A fair surprise ending…

ignores clues matches the clues adds a new character at the last line

#### 5) Which sentence is a clue?

The sky is blue. We ate lunch. The footprints are very tiny and round.

#### 6) Which is a gentle surprise?

The “monster” is just our neighbor in a silly hat. Everyone falls down. Someone gets teased.

#### 7) The middle of the story should…

end the story grow the problem and add clues list colors

#### 8) Which ending uses a twist?

We went home. We ate dinner. The “lost” puppy was leading us to a birthday party!

#### 9) A clue can be…

a small detail that matters later a loud shout for the ending a new character on the last line

#### 10) Which sentence hints at a surprise?

The door is closed. I heard whispering and a balloon squeak behind it. I walked away.

#### 11) The best surprise is…

confusing mean clear and happy

#### 12) Which order keeps story shape?

Beginning → Middle → Ending Ending → Beginning → Middle Middle → Ending → Beginning

#### 13) If a clue is too big, you should…

shout it make it smaller remove all clues

#### 14) Which word shows misdirection?

blue always seemed

#### 15) A fair twist should be…

surprising but makes sense unrelated to the story hidden forever

## Assessment (parent/teacher)

Clear beginning, middle, end Small clues support the surprise Twist is kind and makes sense Read-aloud is smooth and engaging

## Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can write a surprise ending with clues 🙂 I need more practice with misdirection 😅 It was tricky to hide clues

#### I will practice…

Beginning → Middle → Ending Adding tiny clues Keeping the surprise kind
Lesson 25 →