Contests!

One way I lured my girls into writing was to show them contests they could enter. Contests moved the writing process outside our home, giving the girls an audience beyond me, setting their focus beyond the work to the hope of a trophy, a blue ribbon...or money! At age six, my oldest daughter won her first prize. She wrote a piece for the zoo about a bird migrating south.  Her reward? Joining the zookeeper to feed the animals. Her lesson? Writing produces results!

I did a quick web search and found some contests. Check them out, but also be on the lookout for them in kids' magazines, newsletters, local newspapers, and libraries.

Kids Are Authors

Grades K-8

Totem Head's Story Contest
Ages Under 8-18

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
Grades 7-12

Dare to Dream...Change the World
Grades 3-8

Creative Communication
Grades 3-12

Are you aware of any writing contests? Share them in the comments.