Story Beginnings
Learn
What is a Story Beginning?
A story beginning is the first part of a story. It introduces the reader to WHO the story is about and WHERE the story takes place. A good beginning makes readers want to keep reading!
What Goes in a Beginning?
- Characters - Who is in the story? (the people or animals)
- Setting - Where does the story happen? When?
- Hook - Something interesting to grab the reader's attention
Ways to Start a Story
There are many fun ways to begin your story:
Story Starters
- Once upon a time... - A classic fairy tale beginning
- One day... - Simple and clear
- Long ago... - For stories set in the past
- It was a [sunny/rainy/cold] day when... - Describes the setting
- Start with dialogue: "Help!" cried the princess.
Examples
Let's look at some story beginnings!
Example 1: Classic Beginning
"Once upon a time, there lived a little girl named Red. She lived in a small house near a big, dark forest."
Character: A little girl named Red
Setting: A small house near a forest
This works because: We know who and where right away!
Example 2: Action Beginning
"SPLASH! Ben jumped into the pool. It was the hottest day of summer."
Character: Ben
Setting: A pool on a hot summer day
This works because: The action word "SPLASH" grabs attention!
Example 3: Dialogue Beginning
"Mom, can I have a puppy?" asked Sam. He had wanted one for a very long time.
Character: Sam
What we learn: Sam wants a puppy
This works because: Dialogue makes us curious what will happen!
Example 4: Setting Beginning
"The sun was setting over the ocean. Emma walked along the beach, looking for seashells."
Character: Emma
Setting: Beach at sunset
This works because: We can picture the beautiful scene!
Example 5: One Day Beginning
"One day, Max the dog found something strange in the backyard. It was a shiny, gold key."
Character: Max the dog
Setting: The backyard
This works because: The mystery makes us want to know more!
Practice Problems
Try writing your own story beginnings!
1. Write a beginning for a story about a cat. Use "Once upon a time..."
Show Example
Once upon a time, there was a fluffy orange cat named Whiskers who lived in a cozy house.
2. Write a beginning for a story about going to school. Use "One day..."
Show Example
One day, Mia woke up late for school. She jumped out of bed and ran to get dressed!
3. Write a beginning that starts with an action word (like BOOM, CRASH, or RING).
Show Example
RING! The phone woke up Jake. It was his best friend calling with exciting news.
4. Write a beginning that starts with dialogue (someone talking).
Show Example
"Look what I found!" yelled Lily. She was holding a treasure map.
5. Write a beginning that describes the weather or place first.
Show Example
Snow was falling everywhere. Tom grabbed his sled and ran outside to play.
6. What is the CHARACTER in this beginning? "Long ago, a brave knight lived in a tall castle."
Show Answer
The character is the brave knight.
7. What is the SETTING in this beginning? "On a sunny morning at the beach, Zoe built a sandcastle."
Show Answer
The setting is the beach on a sunny morning.
8. Which beginning is more interesting? A) "There was a boy." B) "CRASH! The boy fell off his bike."
Show Answer
B is more interesting because the action word "CRASH" grabs attention and makes you want to know what happened!
9. Write a beginning about a birthday party.
Show Example
Today was the best day ever - it was Amy's 7th birthday! Balloons and streamers filled her house.
10. Write a beginning about finding something surprising.
Show Example
One morning, Ella opened her closet and gasped. Inside was a tiny door she had never seen before!
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions about story beginnings!
1. What two things should a story beginning introduce?
Show Answer
A story beginning should introduce the characters (who) and the setting (where and when).
2. What is a "hook" in a story beginning?
Show Answer
A hook is something interesting that grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to keep reading.
3. Name two ways to start a story.
Show Answer
Any two of: "Once upon a time...", "One day...", with an action word, with dialogue, by describing the setting.
4. Why is a good beginning important?
Show Answer
A good beginning is important because it makes readers want to keep reading your story!
Next Steps
- Practice writing different story beginnings
- Notice how your favorite books begin
- When you are ready, move on to Story Endings
- You are becoming a great writer!