Alternate Ending Story Writing
Rewrite the ending of a familiar story with a completely different outcome — what if Goldilocks befriended the bears? — practicing creative revision.
What You'll Need
- 1Paper or notebook
- 2Pencil or pen
- 3The original story for reference
What You'll Need
Paper or notebook
Pencil or pen
The original story for reference
How to Play
Choose a well-known story.
Review the original ending.
Ask: "What if it ended differently?"
Brainstorm alternatives: Goldilocks befriends the bears, or gets lost.
Choose one and plan: what changes, what stays, how characters react.
Write the new ending from the turning point.
Make it at least one full page with dialogue.
Read both endings aloud. Discuss which you prefer and why.
Tips
Alternate ending writing requires understanding the original story deeply enough to know where it could plausibly diverge. This is high-level comprehension work disguised as creative play.
The concept of a "turning point" is a sophisticated narrative tool. When your child identifies the moment where everything could change, they're demonstrating advanced plot analysis.
This activity naturally teaches cause and effect in storytelling: if this ONE thing changes, how does everything else ripple outward? That chain of consequences is how plot works.
Try this with real movies too. Kids have passionate opinions about movie endings — channel that energy into writing.
Collect alternate endings for the same story. Compare how different family members reimagined it. No two endings will be alike, which teaches that creativity is personal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 40 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: paper or notebook, pencil or pen, the original story for reference.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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