Calling all creative minds across the nation from grades Kindergarten through Third! PBS KIDS GO! has launched its annual writing contest and this year we spotted something very exciting on the contest’s rule page:

“Non-English text must be translated on the same page and the translation text must adhere to word count.”

What does this mean? It means that your child can write or dictate their story in Spanish or other heritage language as long as an English translation accompanies it on the same page! Chévere!

Looking through the website at the 2011 submissions and winners -seeing the creativity that went into what the kids wrote and the pictures they drew, it’s pretty awesome. Knowing that PBS KIDS will be making sure children can write their story in whichever language they feel inspired to write in is even more awesome.

In addition, we’ve learned that PBS KIDS is working on a Spanish language version of the entry form so that parents who aren’t fluent English speakers, can still help their kids enter the contest. Love it!The contest, according to PBS, is “designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning” and “encourages children … to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original work.”

Ready to write? A escribir pues!

PBS stations are collaborating with schools, public libraries and other literacy organizations to implement the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest in their communities but even if your child’s school or library isn’t involved, you can still participate!

Illustrated stories by children ages K-3 can be submitted to local PBS stations. Winners selected by each station receive prizes but are also entered into the national level of the contest where a panel of judges will select winners. National winners will be announced and prizes, including tablets, e-readers and MP3 players will be awarded during summer 2012.

Submitting your child’s story is easy and can be done right on your computer. One really cool benefit of submitting online? – Participants who upload digitally will receive a free animated digital book of their story that they can share with others! Bound copies of the entry are also available for purchase as a keepsake.

For all official rules visit: PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest. Let’s see some bilingual entries, gente!

Recent Posts