Level 1 • Lesson 70 — Discussing the story’s ending

Objective

Talk about the ending of a story, tell how the problem was solved, and share how you feel about the ending.

Materials

Short story with a clear beginning, middle, and end
Paper divided into three parts: “Beginning”, “Middle”, “Ending”
Question prompts such as “Did you like the ending? Why?”
Crayons to draw the ending or a new ending

Mini-lesson — Talking about story endings

Every story has a beginning, a middle, and an ending. The ending is the part that tells us how everything turns out.

At the ending, we often learn:

How the problem is solved
What happens to the characters
How everyone feels at the end

Good readers do not just stop when the story is over. They talk about the ending. They might ask:

What happened at the end?
How was the problem solved?
How did the characters feel?
Did the ending match what I guessed?

We can also share our opinion about the ending:

“I liked the ending because it was kind.”
“I felt a little sad at the end.”
“I would change the ending so ___.”

Today you will listen to a story, find the ending, and talk about it. You will tell what happened, how the problem was solved, and how you feel about the way it finished.

Picture strip: Beginning → Middle → Ending

Guided Practice — Mini-book: Talking about endings

How to use this mini-book:

Read a real story first, then read each page of the mini-book.
Stop often to point to the ending on your “Beginning–Middle–Ending” chart.
Let your child share their ideas in full sentences.

It is okay if your child’s ideas are simple. The goal is to talk about the ending, not give a perfect answer.

Ending words

ending problem solution finally happy sad change

Frames: “At the end ___.” “The problem is solved when ___.” “I liked the ending because ___.”

Mini-Book: Talking about story endings

1

Finding the ending

The ending is the last part of the story. We think, “What happens finally?” and “How does the story stop?”

Point to the last part of a story you know.

2

Problem and solution

Many stories have a problem. At the ending, we often see how the problem is solved or what the characters decide.

What was the problem and how was it solved?

3

How characters feel

At the end, characters might feel happy, proud, or still worried. We notice feeling words and pictures that show emotions.

How do the characters feel at the end?

4

Did it match your guess?

Sometimes we guess how a story will end. After we finish, we can compare our guess to the real ending.

Was the ending what you expected?

5

Sharing your opinion

We can say if we liked the ending or not, and why. We always share our ideas in a kind way.

Did you like the ending? Why or why not?

6

Changing the ending

For fun, we can imagine a new ending. We can think, “What if something different happened at the end?”

How could you change a story’s ending?

Reading Practice — Understanding endings

Read each short description about a story ending. Choose the best answer. Then press “Check answers”.

1) What is the ending of a story?

2) A story has a problem. At the ending, the dog comes back home safely.
What did the ending show?

3) At the end of a story, the pictures show the family smiling and hugging.
What kind of ending is this?

4) You guessed the girl would win the race, but at the end she helps a friend instead.
What can you say?

5) Which sentence is a good way to share your opinion about an ending?

6) Your teacher says, “Change the ending for fun.” What should you do?

7) Which sentence shows you know where the ending goes?

8) After a story, which sentence shows good thinking about the ending?

Quick Check (10 questions)

1) What is a story’s ending?

The very first sentence only The last part where the story finishes A random page in the middle

2) What often happens at the ending of a story?

A brand new beginning starts The characters forget everything The problem is solved or something is decided

3) Which question helps you talk about the ending?

“How did the story end?” “What did I eat for breakfast?” “How many shoes do I have?”

4) The story ends with the friends sharing the last cookie. How might they feel?

Very angry at each other Happy to share Scared of the cookie

5) Which sentence is an opinion about the ending?

“The dog came home at the end.” “The story had three characters.” “I liked the ending because it was kind.”

6) Why is it helpful to talk about how a story ends?

It helps you understand the whole story better It makes the story disappear It means you forget the beginning

7) If you did not like the ending, what is a kind way to say it?

“This ending is bad and so are you.” “I did not like the ending because it felt too sad.” “I will never read again.”

8) Which words can help you tell events in order up to the ending?

red, green, blue left, right, up first, next, last

9) If you are confused about the ending, what should you do?

Ask to hear the last part again and talk about it Tear the book Pretend you understood everything

10) To get better at talking about endings, you can…

never finish any story finish stories and practice telling what happened at the end only read the first page

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Can point to or describe the ending of a short story Can tell how the main problem was solved (in simple words) Can describe how at least one character feels at the end Can share a simple opinion about the ending with a reason Can suggest a different ending for fun

Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can talk about how stories end 🙂 I need more practice talking about endings 😅 Story endings still feel tricky

I will practice…

Saying what happened at the end of a story Telling how the problem was solved Sharing if I liked the ending and why

Lesson 70: Discussing the story’s ending