Few things capture a child’s imagination like a good book and some of the best stories are created by children. Now it is time to showcase that creativity by putting the pencil to the paper to record those ideas. The Community Idea Stations (WCVE PBS, WCVW PBS, WHTJ PBS) will hold its annual PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest designed to promote the advancement of children’s literacy skills through hands-on, active learning. The Contest, made possible in part by financial support from Virginia College Saving Plan, encourages children in grades K-3 to celebrate creativity by submitting their own original stories and illustrations.

“The Community Idea Stations are committed to providing fun opportunities for central Virginia area kids to express their creativity,” said Trish Reed, Ready To Learn Coordinator for the stations. “The PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest helps central Virginia children build valuable literacy skills for success in school and life.” Since the contest began in 1996 thousands of local children have participated in PBS KIDS’ annual writing contest.

Download the Entry Form (PDF)
Download the Contest Guidelines (PDF)

How the Contest Works
The Community Idea Stations invite children in kindergarten through third grade to join in the fun. The Contest begins on January 3, 2013. All entries must be received by March 22, 2013. The Community Idea Stations will select local winners and award prizes in the spring of 2013.

The local winners will then be entered into the national contest where a panel of esteemed judges will rank the top 12 entries. National winners will be announced during the summer of 2013 and the winning stories will be featured on pbskids.org/writerscontest.

The national winners will receive prizes, including tablets, e-readers and MP3 players. Additionally, Highlights for Children has joined the Contest as a new promotional partner and all participants will have the option to receive a print or digital version of Highlights magazine.

What is the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest and Who Can Enter?
It is a contest open to kids in the kindergarten to third grade in central Virginia who want to write and illustrate their own stories. Kids can submit a story for judging and a chance to win a first, second or third place award. Winners from each grade level will be invited to the studios of the Community Idea Stations for an awards ceremony honoring their achievements. Because the goal of the contest is to encourage, challenge and reward effort, every child who submits an original story will be recognized for their participation with a Certificate of Achievement.

Download the Entry Form (PDF)
Download the Contest Guidelines (PDF)

Want to see stories from other Contest years to get ideas?
You can see all stories from previous years, going back to 2001, by visiting Story Central. What do they have in common? It seems they all have things like:

• a beginning, middle, and end
• a central event like a conflict or discovery
• characters who change or learn a lesson
• illustrations that help tell the tale

PBS LearningMedia is also offering a collection of online teacher resources for use in classrooms nationwide.