What is the primary benefit of a fourth-grade group activity creating alternate endings to a story?

Creating alternate endings to a story primarily helps students apply their understanding of literary elements. In this activity, students are required to analyze the original text, considering characters, plot developments, and themes. They must think critically about how these elements work together and how a change in the ending can affect the overall narrative. This process not only deepens their comprehension of the story but also encourages creativity as they explore different possibilities for character actions and outcomes. Engaging with the story in this way fosters a deeper appreciation for narrative structure and the author's intent, highlighting the significance of literary elements in storytelling.