PBS Kids GO! Writing Contest Entries due March 1 (delivery or postmark date)
WKAR sponsors PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest in Mid-Michigan
The PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest is now underway! The national competition is designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. The effort encourages children in grades K-3, in mid-Michigan and communities across the country, to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original stories and illustrations.
WKAR is partnering with schools, public libraries and other literacy organizations to implement the contest.
Children are encouraged to write and illustrate stories and submit them to WKAR, which will select local winners and award prizes. First place local winners will be entered into the national level of the Contest where a renowned panel of judges will identify the national winners. Winners will be announced and national prizes, including laptops, digital cameras and MP3 players, will be awarded in summer 2010.
“For many years, WKAR hosted the Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest,” says Jeanie Croope, contest coordinator. “When the series was cancelled, the contest had a change of name, but the basics remain the same – children from kindergarten through third grade can compete for prizes while writing stories.”
Applications and contest rules are also available at these locations:
Capital Area District Main Library (corner of Kalamazoo and Capital Ave.)
East Lansing Public Library (Abbot Rd. at Library Lane)
DeWitt Public Library (1301 Schavey Rd., DeWitt)
Delta Township Library (Davenport Drive off Elmwood)
Brilliant Sky (Central Park, Okemos)
All entries must include an entry form signed by parents and meet all contest rules to qualify for prizes. All entrants will receive a certificate of participation.
“Kids naturally have a keen sense of curiosity and incredible imaginations,” said Croope. “The PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest provides a safe virtual community forum for children in mid-Michigan to express their ideas while fostering key early literacy skills such as story-telling. We’ve had national winners from this community, so it’s very possible for anyone to win the national prizes.”
“Schools are encouraged to integrate the contest into their curriculum, whether as a class project or as extra credit,” Croope suggests. “However, a parent’s signature is required for the story to qualify for prizes.”
For the national winning stories in each contest category, as well as a searchable archive, visit pbskids.org/writerscontest/
WORKSHOP: Imagine, Create, and Play Middle schoolers! Learn how to create video games at this FREE workshop from WKAR. Saturday, Feb. 11. More info and SIGN UP HERE.
