Create a Strong Ending for Your Realistic Fiction

MODEL THE WRITING PROCESS

Create a Strong Ending for Your Realistic Fiction

Objectives

In this mini-lesson, students will: ? Learn the importance of a strong

ending in a realistic story. ? Learn and discuss five types of

strong endings. ? Practice writing strong endings.

Preparation

Materials Needed ? Chart paper and markers ? Strong Endings (BLM 5) ? Interactive whiteboard resources

Advanced Preparation If you will not be using the interactive whiteboard resources, copy the modeling text on chart paper. If necessary, copy the sentence frames from "Strategies to Support ELs" on chart paper.

1. Focus

Explain Strong Endings

Say: Have you ever enjoyed reading a story most of the way through--only to find the ending was a let-down? The ending of a story can make a big difference to the reader. A strong ending leaves the reader feeling satisfied. A weak ending can spoil a story that has held the reader's interest up until then. Today we'll think about what makes a good ending. I'll give you some tips on different kinds of strong endings for your realistic fiction.

Model Strong Endings

Display the sample text on chart paper or using the interactive whiteboard resources.

Say: Listen as I read two different endings to the same story.

"You mean I can keep him?" "Yes, Jamal," Ms. Tilly said softly. Then in her usual volume she blasted, "Now get this mess cleaned up!" The kids herded Buff back to the basement. "I'm so glad I can keep Buff," Jamal said.

"You mean I can keep him?" "Yes, Jamal," Ms. Tilly said softly. Then in her usual volume she blasted, "Now get this mess cleaned up!" The kids herded Buff back to the basement. "This has taught me that even the scariest creature may have a secret soft side," said Jamal. "Yeah," Luke agreed. "Buff is a cool dog." "I don't mean Buff," said Jamal. "I mean Ms. Tilly!"

Modeling Text

Ask: Which ending did you like best? Allow responses.

Say: Both versions have a happy ending. The first ending, though, sounds flat. It is not all that interesting. The second ending, however, makes me laugh. This is because of how Jamal refers to Ms. Tilly--as a scary creature. Luke thinks Jamal is referring to the dog, so it's funny when Jamal finishes with the punch line that he means Ms. Tilly. This ending is realistic, it's funny, and the main character learns something from what happens. We enjoy being reminded that people are not always the way they seem.

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Benchmark Writer's Workshop ? Grade 3 ? Realistic Fiction ? ?2012 Benchmark Education Company, LLC

Realistic Fiction

Distribute BLM 5 to students. You may also wish to display it using the interactive whiteboard resources. Say: Let's read other ways the writer might have ended the story. Let's think about what makes each ending a strong one.

Ending

Type

"I don't mean Buff," said Jamal. "I mean Ms. Tilly!"

Humorous Twist

Jamal took Buff up to his apartment, where Buff curled up next to him to watch TV.

Action

Jamal was so happy that he almost lost his cool and gave Ms. Tilly a big hug.

Feeling

Maybe the next time you meet Opinion a scary creature, you'll look for the soft side.

Buff was his! Now where could New Problem he find a dog bed as big as a refrigerator?

Sample Strong Endings Chart (BLM 5)

Why is it strong? Reader doesn't expect the ending. Ending is funny. The writer uses an action that leaves the reader with a strong image.

The writer draws the reader into Jamal's emotion.

The writer expresses an opinion. Writer makes the point of the story more personal by talking directly to the reader. The suggestion of a new problem leaves the reader wanting more.

2. Rehearse

Practice Writing Strong Endings

Invite students to work in small groups to discuss each ending and decide whether they think it's a good ending or not. Ask them to jot down their ideas on the BLM. Challenge groups to choose their favorite type of ending and write a new ending.

3. Independent Writing and Conferring

Say: We just learned that strong endings are important to a story. A good ending leaves the reader feeling satisfied. As you draft your realistic fiction, think about what your ending will be and how you will bring your story to a satisfying conclusion.

Encourage students to apply the strategy of writing strong endings during independent writing time, as appropriate. During student conferences, reinforce students' use of this and other strategies using the prompts on your conferring flip chart.

4. Share

Bring students together. Invite a few students who have composed strong story endings to read them aloud to the rest of the class. Discuss what makes the endings strong.

Share and Discuss Strong Endings

Bring groups together and invite them to share their ideas about the endings. Record their ideas on chart paper or using the interactive whiteboard resources. Ask volunteers to share their story endings. Discuss with the class why the new endings are strong or weak.

Strategies to Support ELs

Beginning

Invite beginning ELs to draw a picture of the ending of a realistic story they are working on. Then encourage them to tell you about their ending in whatever language they can.

Intermediate and Advanced Provide simple sentence frames to help students explore different ways to write endings. For example:

The ending is ______. This ending is good because ______.

?2012 Benchmark Education Company, LLC ? Benchmark Writer's Workshop ? Grade 3 ? Realistic Fiction

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