Mentor Monday 4/28/2014-Strong Endings

Do you have kids in your class that like to end their story with "The End" or even worse, "That is my story!"??  I know I always did and it drove me bonkers!  Until I realized they were doing it because they hadn't been TAUGHT otherwise!  I realized that the ones that did it the most were the ones that read the least, so they weren't even seeing it modeled for them.  So, we started doing mini-lessons on endings and talking about what we noticed as we read.  Their endings got better!

What kind of story endings are there?  Ralph Fletcher gives us 8 choices

• Splashy
• Funny
• Sad
• Small Detail
• Surprise
• Circular
• Factual
• Quotation

As you read aloud books in class, ask your kids what kind of ending the book has.  This simple little trick can help them pay attention to endings and notice the different ways they might end their stories too!

 There are MANY great stories with wonderful endings!  I think one of my favorite endings is by Robert Munsch in his version of the Paperbag Princess.  Maybe it is because Elizabeth is such a strong character.  Maybe it is because it teaches such a great lesson about what is on the outside doesn't matter as much as what is on the inside!  Maybe it is because I would have told Ronald off just like she did!  No matter what the reason, the ending of this book is funny, surprising, and a little splashy!  (For those of you who haven't read this book or haven't read it in awhile, basically there is a prince who was going to marry a princess named Elizabeth.  A dragon's fire breath burned up Elizabeth's clothes and home.  She found a paper bag to put on instead and went out to look for Ronald, who was carried away by the dragon.  When she does find him and rescues Ronald, Ronald makes fun of her for her messy appearance.  Elizabeth's response is you look great and your clothes are cool, but you are STILL A BUM!  And, they did NOT get married!).

If you want to hear a version read by Robert Munsch himself, try out this You Tube video.  

Many of Robert Munsch's books are great read alouds and perfect for talking about story endings.  In fact, they are great for many different lessons.  You can grab my Robert Munsch author study Lapbook, which is part of a great EDUCENTS bundle this week, along with 9 other files for only $10.99!  That is almost 80% off the regular price of these items (My Robert Munsch lapbook by itself is $5!!).  Head on over to see what else you can grab from this bundle!  If you purchase this bundle, send me a copy of your receipt and you can choose another item from my store for FREE!!  This offer ends Saturday, May 3 at midnight.  You can email me at krista@teachingmomster.com.  Also, don't forget to enter my Giveaway below! 

THE END

And that is my story!

Until next time,  

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