Why Finish the Sentence works

Complete an unfinished sentence in a way that is grammatically sensible and interesting, then compare different possible endings. Read one sentence starter aloud. Pause before offering examples.

Set up — Read one sentence starter aloud

No special materials are needed before the child is asked to read one sentence starter aloud. The setup is ready when the child can read one sentence starter aloud and then move on to the instruction to pause before offering examples without a new explanation. Keep topics comfortable and family-safe; nobody has to reveal private information while those two steps are connected.

Step 2 — Pause before offering examples

One careful attempt to pause before offering examples is enough at this stage. Before the child tries to let the child complete the sentence in their own way, ask them to show or describe what differed from when they had to read one sentence starter aloud.

Step 3 — Let the child complete the sentence in their own way

Use the result of asking the child to let the child complete the sentence in their own way as a clue for the next decision. Do not move on to ask for a second different ending to the same starter until this step has a clear purpose.

Step 4 — Ask for a second different ending to the same starter

Ask the child to ask for a second different ending to the same starter. Compare what happens with the earlier step to let the child complete the sentence in their own way, then continue by asking them to choose which ending would lead to a more interesting next sentence once the difference is clear.

Step 5 — Choose which ending would lead to a more interesting next sentence

Let the child choose which ending would lead to a more interesting next sentence and treat the result as information rather than simple repetition. If it is unclear, repeat that action before asking them to choose which ending would lead to a more interesting next sentence.

What to notice before Choose which ending would lead to a more…

After the child has tried to ask for a second different ending to the same starter, ask what changed. An answer connected to the earlier attempt to let the child complete the sentence in their own way is good evidence of whether the words add useful information or keep the story and conversation coherent before the final step.

Make Let the child complete the sentence in… easier or harder

If asking the child to let the child complete the sentence in their own way is too demanding, use one familiar topic and shorter turns. Once that step is comfortable, change the audience, viewpoint, or language constraint before returning to the final request to choose which ending would lead to a more interesting next sentence.

Finish after Choose which ending would lead to a more…

Choose which ending would lead to a more interesting next sentence. A brief look back at the result is enough before ending the session. For another activity, use the activity search or create one with the activity generator.