Level 2 • Lesson 17 — Create a Story with a Beginning and End

Objective

I can plan and write a short story that has a clear beginning and a satisfying ending, using simple time words (first, next, then, finally) and keeping the story on one main idea.

Materials

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

Tip: Think of a small moment (one place, a few minutes). Shorter moments make clearer stories.

Mini-lesson — What makes a strong beginning and ending?

Beginning: Who is in the story? Where are they? What starts the action? Hook your reader!
Middle: Tell what happens in order with time words (first, next, then).
Ending: Show how it finishes or how the character feels. Use finally or a closing thought.
Stay focused: Keep all sentences about this one small event.
Read aloud: Does the ending feel finished? If not, add one more sentence to wrap it up.

Guided Practice — Trace on the Pad

Trace key words, then draft a tiny story (4–5 sentences) about finding a lost kite:

Key words: first, then, finally, because
Example outline:
1. Beginning: I saw a red kite stuck in a tree at the park.
2. Middle: I asked a grown-up for help and found a long stick.
3. Ending: Finally, the kite floated free, and I cheered.

Tracing Pad

Lines Letter

Pen

Drag & Drop — Build Clear Story Sentences

Drag the chips into the slots to make strong sentences that could open or close a story. Keep punctuation at the end.

OnSaturdayIwokeupearlytoseetheparade.

MycousinandIwaitedbythebigclockdowntown.

Firstthedrumsstartedtoboom.

Nextbrightballoonsbobbedaboveourheads.

Thenmyhatflewoffinthewind.

Wechaseditdownthesidewalklaughing.

FinallyIcaughtthehatandbowedlikeaparadeleader.

Thedayendedwithmusicsmilesandhotcocoa.

AttheparkmydogandIracedtothepond.

Weskippedstonesandcountedtheripples.

WhenmyshoegotwetIlaughedandwalkedhomebarefoot.

Itwasasmalladventureandaperfectendingtomyday.

Quick Check (15 questions)

1) A strong beginning should…

list every character’s full name tell who/where and start the action jump to the ending

2) Best set of time words for a short story:

yesterday, tomorrow, someday before, behind, below first, next, then, finally

3) Which could be a beginning?

It was Saturday, and the park was busy. That is why I went to bed. And then we were done.

4) A good ending should…

add a brand-new character wrap up the event or feeling start a different story

5) Pick the sentence that belongs in the middle:

Finally, we went home. At the park, Dad and I packed snacks. Then we set up the kite and tested the wind.

6) Which shows a small moment?

I learned to ride my bike after school. I traveled the whole world in one day. I lived a thousand years.

7) The word “finally” is most useful for the…

beginning ending title

8) Which sounds like a closing line?

First, I found my gloves. Next, I tied my skates. At last, I glided home with a big smile.

9) Good stories stay…

on one main event on every event of the year on three different topics

10) Which adds detail?

We went. We went at sunrise and saw birds over the water. We exist.

11) Best order:

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

12) A beginning should often tell…

who and where the weather for the whole week how every character feels forever

13) Choose the best ending:

First, I grabbed my coat. Finally, the lights flickered out, and we whispered good-night. Next, I might go somewhere.

14) Reading aloud helps you check…

if the story rhymes if the story is ten pages if the story is clear and finished

15) Which beginning uses a hook?

A loud splash made me jump! I am a person. There were things.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Clear beginning (who/where + action starts) Uses time words (first, next, then, finally) Stays on one small event Satisfying ending (event finishes or feeling shown)

Exit ticket (student)

😀 My story has a strong beginning and ending 🙂 I need more practice using time words 😅 It was tricky to write the ending

I will practice…

Planning Beginning → Middle → Ending Using time words (first, next, then, finally) Reading aloud to test my ending

Lesson 17: Create a Story with a Beginning and End