Beginning, middle and end — Literature, 4–6 years
Stories often move from a start, through something that happens, to a finish. Literature, 4–6 years.
A story has a shape
A story usually starts by showing who or where we are. Then something happens, and at the end we see what has changed or how things settle. This shape helps us follow the tale.
Why put events in order?
Without an order, we might not know why the dragon is scared or how the lost hat was found. Storytellers arrange events so one part leads us to the next, just as we tell a real day from waking up to bedtime.
Putting three events in order
Imagine a rabbit story: first, Lina finds a tiny seed; next, she plants and waters it; finally, a tall sunflower opens. The first event begins the tale, the growing plant is the middle, and the flower gives it a clear ending.
The mixed-up story
It is easy to say the exciting ending first, because it is the part we remember best. But if we tell the sunflower before the seed, listeners may wonder where it came from. Keep the events in order, then add the exciting details.
Stories in daily life
You use this shape when you explain what happened at the park: first you arrived, then you found a puddle, and finally you came home with muddy shoes. It also helps when you remember the steps of making a sandwich or washing your hands.
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