Story Endings
Learn
What is a Story Ending?
A story ending is the last part of a story. It tells how the story wraps up and finishes. A good ending makes the reader feel satisfied!
What Makes a Good Ending?
- Solves the problem - How was the problem fixed?
- Shows how characters feel - Are they happy? Relieved? Excited?
- Gives a sense of completion - The story feels finished
Types of Story Endings
Happy Endings
Everything works out well! Characters get what they wanted.
Example: "And they all lived happily ever after."
Lesson Learned Endings
The character learns something important.
Example: "From that day on, Sam always told the truth."
Circular Endings
The story ends where it began.
Example: If it started at home, it ends back at home.
Examples
Let's look at some story endings!
Example 1: Happy Ending
Story: A lost puppy trying to find its way home.
Ending: "Finally, the puppy saw its house! It ran to the door and jumped into the arms of its happy family. The puppy was home at last!"
Why it works: The problem is solved (puppy finds home) and everyone is happy!
Example 2: Lesson Learned Ending
Story: A boy who did not want to share his toys.
Ending: "Now Jake understood. When he shared his toys, he had more friends to play with. Sharing made everything more fun!"
Why it works: The character learned something important about sharing.
Example 3: The End Statement
Story: A girl's adventure at the zoo.
Ending: "What an amazing day!" said Lily as she got into the car. She could not wait to come back to the zoo again. The End."
Why it works: Shows how the character feels and wraps up the day.
Example 4: Feeling Ending
Story: A scary thunderstorm.
Ending: "The storm was over. The sun came out and made a beautiful rainbow. Maria smiled. She was not scared anymore."
Why it works: Shows the problem is over and how the character feels.
Example 5: Looking to the Future
Story: Making a new friend.
Ending: "As they said goodbye, Mia and her new friend made plans to play again tomorrow. This was the start of a great friendship!"
Why it works: Ends on a hopeful note about what comes next.
Practice Problems
Practice writing story endings!
1. Write a happy ending for a story about a cat stuck in a tree.
Show Example
The firefighter carefully brought Mittens down from the tree. The cat purred happily in its owner's arms. "Thank you!" said the little girl, hugging her cat tight.
2. Write an ending where the character learns a lesson about being kind.
Show Example
From that day on, Ben always said nice things to his classmates. He learned that kind words make everyone feel good - including himself!
3. Write an ending for a birthday party story.
Show Example
"Best birthday ever!" said Emma as she hugged her parents. She fell asleep that night with a big smile on her face.
4. Write an ending that uses "The End."
Show Example
The little train chugged into the station right on time. All the passengers cheered! The End.
5. Write an ending for a story about finding a lost toy.
Show Example
There it was - under the bed the whole time! Max grabbed his teddy bear and hugged it tight. "I will never lose you again," he promised.
6. What problem is solved in this ending? "The rain stopped and the soccer game could finally begin!"
Show Answer
The problem was that rain was stopping the soccer game. It is solved because the rain stopped.
7. What feeling does this ending show? "She jumped up and down with joy. This was the best day ever!"
Show Answer
The ending shows happiness and excitement.
8. Is this a good ending? Why or why not? "And then he went home."
Show Answer
This is not a great ending because it does not show how the character feels or if the problem was solved. A better ending would add feelings or wrap up the story better.
9. Write an ending where friends say goodbye after an adventure.
Show Example
"That was the best adventure ever!" said Jack. "Same time tomorrow?" asked Lily. They both laughed and waved goodbye, already excited for their next adventure.
10. Write a peaceful, calm ending for a bedtime story.
Show Example
The little bunny yawned and snuggled into its soft bed. The moon shone through the window. "Goodnight," whispered Mama Bunny. And the little bunny fell fast asleep.
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions about story endings!
1. What should a good story ending do?
Show Answer
A good ending should solve the problem, show how characters feel, and give a sense of completion.
2. What is a "lesson learned" ending?
Show Answer
A lesson learned ending is when the character learns something important by the end of the story.
3. Why is it important to show how the character feels at the end?
Show Answer
Showing feelings helps the reader connect with the character and understand that the story is complete.
4. What is a famous happy ending phrase from fairy tales?
Show Answer
"And they all lived happily ever after."
Next Steps
- Practice writing different types of endings
- Notice how your favorite books end
- Go back to Story Beginnings if you need to review
- Now you can write great stories from beginning to end!