Level 1 • Lesson 17 — Writing a short story

Objective

I can write a very short story with two or three linked sentences, using clear capitals, spaces, and periods.

Materials

Short, sharpened pencil
Eraser
Ruled paper (primary lines preferred)
Tracing Pad (below)
Simple picture or idea for a story (optional)

Mini-lesson — What is a short story?

A short story is like a tiny movie in your mind. It has a beginning, something that happens, and an ending.

What can your short story be about?

A day at the park or at school.
A time with your family or a friend.
A little adventure with a pet or toy.

Building a tiny story

Start with a beginning: Where are you? Who is there?
Add one thing that happens.
Finish with an ending: How do you feel or what do you do next?

Story sentences must still be clear

Use a capital letter at the start of each sentence.
Leave spaces between words.
End each sentence with a period.

Think: "Does my story start, go, and end in a way that makes sense?"

Picture strip: "Beginning, middle, ending"

Guided Practice — Story words warm-up

Use this routine to warm up story words before you write your own short story.

Picture a tiny story: Close your eyes and imagine a small moment (at the park, at home, at school, or with a friend).
Say three parts: Whisper a beginning, something that happens, and an ending.
Trace story words: On the Tracing Pad, choose a short word like once, first, then, after, or end. Trace it neatly on the line.
Say a full sentence: Use your traced word to say a sentence such as Once I went to the park. or Then we read a book.
Write your mini story: On your paper, write two or three sentences that go together as a short story.
Check the story: Read your sentences. Do they start with a capital letter, have clear spaces, and end with a period?

You can save this mini story and add more ideas later when you write a longer story.

Tracing Pad

Lines Trace

Pen

Drag & Drop — Choose endings for short stories

First, read each story beginning. Then pick the ending sentence that makes the most sense.

On the device:
Read the beginning, check the three endings, and drag the correct ending into the box.

On paper:
Choose three stories you completed. Write the beginning and the ending together as one little story. Finish by adding this final line:
The end.

Story 1 — Beginning sentence: On Saturday I went to the park.

I played on the swings. I slept on my desk. I washed ten cars.

Story 2 — Beginning sentence: It was my birthday.

We ate cake and sang. I cleaned my shoes alone. I drew a picture of a bus stop.

Story 3 — Beginning sentence: I found a little puppy.

I gave it water and love. I put it on my desk at school. I walked away without looking.

Story 4 — Beginning sentence: It started to rain.

We ran inside and read a book. We sat outside in the rain all day. We forgot our shoes and books.

Story 5 — Beginning sentence: At night I felt sleepy.

I snuggled in bed and slept. I jumped and shouted outside. I went to the kitchen to race a spoon.

Quick Check — Writing a short story

Answer each question about short stories, story endings, and clear sentences. This is a gentle 10-question check.

What is a short story?

A very long book with many chapters A few sentences that go together One word written many times

What does the beginning of a story tell?

Who is there and where they are What everybody ate last year Only what happens at the very end

What happens in the middle of a short story?

The title is written again and again The characters disappear and never return Something happens to the characters

What should a good story ending do?

Start a brand new story Show how the story finishes Tell a secret that does not fit the story

When you choose an ending for a story starter, what should you look for?

The ending that makes the most sense with the start The longest and silliest sentence The sentence with the hardest words

How should each sentence in your short story begin?

With a picture With a tiny letter With a capital letter

Why are spaces between words important in a story?

They make the story look very long They help the reader see each word They hide the words from the reader

What should you put at the end of each sentence in your story?

A period Nothing at all A random drawing

How can you check if your short story makes sense?

Close the notebook and do not read it Only read the last word Read the story aloud from start to end

What is a good goal for this lesson?

Write many messy sentences that do not go together Write two or three clear sentences that tell one short story Write about ten different stories at the same time

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Writes two or three sentences that belong to one short story Uses a clear beginning and ending in the story Uses capitals, spaces, and periods correctly in most sentences Can read the story aloud so it makes clear sense from start to end

Exit ticket (student)

😀 I wrote a short story that makes sense. 🙂 I need more practice writing short stories. 😅 Writing a short story still feels tricky.

Next time I will…

Plan my beginning, middle, and ending Check my capitals, spaces, and periods Read my story aloud slowly

Lesson 17: Writing a short story