Two endings, two ways of answering the story problem

Keep the opening and central problem unchanged, then compare two possible conclusions. Ask how each follows from the story so far, including whether an unexpected ending has enough preparation to feel connected.

Compare how each ending responds to the story's central problem. An unexpected ending still needs enough preparation to make sense.

An ending that delivers the missing parcel addresses the original problem; a surprise ending still needs a meaningful connection.

Surprise still needs a connection

Recall the character's goal. Read both possible outcomes. Explain which connections each ending resolves.

Surprising does not automatically mean coherent.

Which earlier detail supports the preferred ending? Compare ending pictures with adult narration.

Resources

• Six-Panel Comic Challenge — Use the panels when a visual story sequence supports the task.

Further reading

• Literacy Hub — Teaching reading professional learning

Read next

• Revise a story by choosing what needs to change
• What does the character want? Read the action in context
• Context helps with meaning; it should not replace decoding

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