Spencer Lanoue
Getting kids to write a strong conclusion can be a bit like herding cats. Challenging, but not impossible! If you've ever seen a child finish a story with "The End" and nothing more, you're not alone. Wrapping up an essay or a story in a satisfying way is a skill that takes practice. In this post, I'll share some kid-friendly strategies to help young writers craft conclusions that leave readers with a smile and a sense of closure.
Why Conclusions Matter
Think of a conclusion as the last piece of a puzzle. Without it, the picture isn't complete. A good conclusion wraps up your writing nicely and gives the reader something to think about. For kids, understanding this can make the difference between a story that feels finished and one that leaves readers hanging.
So, why does this matter for young writers? Well, it helps them learn how to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively. Plus, it's a skill they'll use not just in school, but throughout their lives. Whether they're writing a book report or a thank-you note.
Keep It Simple: The Basic Structure
Kids don't need to overthink their conclusions. A simple three-part structure can do the trick:
- Restate the main point: This doesn't mean they should copy-paste their thesis or main idea, but they should rephrase it in a way that reminds the reader what the piece is about.
- Summarize key points: Encourage kids to highlight the most important parts of their story or essay. What do they want the reader to remember?
- End with a thought-provoking idea or question: This gives the reader something to ponder. It could be a question, a call to action, or a final insight.
Here's an example of a simple conclusion:
"Overall, recycling is important because it helps our planet. By recycling, we save trees, reduce waste, and conserve energy. So next time you finish a soda, remember to toss the can in the recycling bin and do your part!"
Let’s Talk About Tone
Kids should be aware of the tone they use in their conclusions. Is it a serious topic? Then a serious conclusion works. If it's a fun story, let the ending reflect that! Tone is the flavor of their writing, and it should be consistent from start to finish.
For example, if a child is writing a humorous piece about a day at the zoo, the conclusion might end on a funny note:
"In the end, I realized that feeding a llama is much harder than it looks. Next time, I'll stick to the petting zoo. And maybe bring a raincoat!"
Practicing Conclusions with Short Stories
Short stories are a great way for kids to practice writing conclusions. Encourage them to write a story and then think about how they want it to end. Do they want to surprise the reader? Leave them laughing? Or maybe teach them something new?
Here’s a quick activity: Ask kids to write a short story about a superhero who loses their powers. Then, have them come up with different endings:
- Surprise ending: "Just as I thought it was over, I discovered my powers had been inside me all along."
- Lesson learned: "Even without my powers, I realized I could still help people by being a good friend."
- Humorous ending: "Turns out, my superpower was eating pizza really fast. Not much use in a fight, but delicious!"
Using Questions to Spark Curiosity
Sometimes, ending with a question can be just the thing to make a conclusion memorable. It invites the reader to keep thinking about the topic. Kids can practice this by writing a question related to their main idea.
For example, if a child writes about the importance of sleep, they might end with:
"So tonight, will you get enough sleep to dream big dreams?"
This kind of ending engages the reader and encourages them to reflect on their own habits or beliefs.
Revisiting the Beginning
A nifty trick for writing conclusions is to circle back to the beginning. This creates a sense of balance and completes the narrative loop. Encourage kids to look at how they started their story or essay and see if they can tie it to the ending.
Let's say a child starts a story with, "Once there was a lonely dragon who wanted a friend." They might conclude with:
"And in the end, the dragon learned that friends come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, even in the form of a brave little mouse."
Incorporating Spell for a Smooth Finish
When it comes to writing, especially for kids, a little help can go a long way. That's where Spell comes in. It's like having a writing buddy who can help you draft and refine your work in seconds. Kids can type out their ideas, and Spell helps polish them into a neat conclusion. It's great for those moments when young writers know what they want to say but aren't quite sure how to say it.
Playing with Different Styles
Encourage kids to experiment with different styles of conclusions. They can try writing a poetic or rhythmic ending, or even use a quote that ties into their main theme. This not only makes writing fun but also helps them find their unique voice.
For instance, if a child writes a poem about nature, they might conclude with:
"Nature's whisper through the trees, a gentle reminder to breathe."
Or, if they’re working on a persuasive essay, they could end with a powerful quote from a famous environmentalist.
Encouragement and Patience
Learning to write strong conclusions takes time and practice. Encourage kids to keep at it and remind them that it's okay to make mistakes. Writing is a process, and every attempt helps them improve.
One way to help them is by reading books together and discussing how authors wrap up their stories. Ask questions like, "Why do you think the author ended the story this way?" or "How did the ending make you feel?" This can spark ideas and inspire them to try new techniques in their writing.
Final Thoughts
Helping kids write strong conclusions is all about practice, patience, and a little creativity. With the right guidance, they can learn to craft endings that make their writing shine. And for those moments when they need a little extra help, Spell offers a great way to polish their work and build confidence in their writing skills. Keep encouraging young writers to express themselves, and they’ll be crafting impressive conclusions in no time!
