Writing Opportunities for Teens- Contests and Blogs

Posted on April 8, 2008 
Filed Under Homeschool, Teaching Writing

Whenever I speak on writing, I ask students whether they like to write. There are always a few, usually sitting on the front row taking copious notes, who respond eagerly that they LOVE to write. A few, usually sitting in back, clearly not there by their own choice, indicate firmly that they don’t like to write anything, anytime.

The most common response, though, comes from the majority, who indicate that they like to write as long as they are writing something that they want to write. Further investigation reveals that most students enjoy writing things that communicate with a real audience (not just mom or a writing teacher). Some enjoy writing letters, blogging, creating websites, journaling, compiling research on topics of interest, entering contests, and writing stories.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to any of us that students don’t like to feel as if they are wasting time, any more than adults do. Once students move past the copywork and dictation stages of writing instruction (see my two-part article on teaching writing if you’re not familiar with these), it can be very helpful to offer assignment options that will contribute to the student’s sense of purpose, as well as to the development of his or her skills.

Writing competitions are excellent for this. For high school students, Tweener Ministries sponsors an International Chapter Book Competition (and a cover art competition) that offers prizes including publication and four-year scholarships. Students write a 15-25,000 word fiction (history, mystery, fantasy, or adventure) book for tweener readers (ages 8-12). I have the 2007 winning book on my desk, and it’s a remarkable tribute to what a teen author and illustrator can accomplish!

Another worthwhile writing contest is the 2008 National Kids-in-Print Book Contest for Students, sponsored by Landmark House. Originally the brainchild of author David Melton, the “Written and Illustrated by” competition is open to students in three age categories: 1) Ages 6 to 9 2) Ages 10 to 13 3) Ages 14 to 19. My boys submitted books when they were in the youngest age category, and those books remain among our most delightful keepsakes from homeschooling. The Written and Illustrated By book by David Melton is well worth the price, as it provides hyper-detailed instructions for writing, illustrating, and binding your books. You can find more homeschool-friendly writing contests listed on my website.

Blogging is another avenue for purposeful writing. Just as with any online activity, it should be done with the full advice, consent, and appropriate supervision of parents. Students can post book reviews, favorite quotes, excerpts from other school assignments, and other things. Two well-done teen blogs are There and Back Again, which is written by features a J.R.R. Tolkein theme, and Skopeo Literary Society, which features Radio INK broadcasts, among other things. Visit these blogs, and be inspired by the possibilities!

Contests and blogs are only two of the many ways you can offer your students the opportunity to write with a purpose. The best way to practice writing is to write, and the more often, the better. There may still be a few boring assignments, but if you provide teens with the opportunity to write on topics of interest, to a real audience, their enthusiasm for writing will definitely increase.

Announcements

I’ll be speaking on creating high school transcripts for homeschoolers and on evaluating writing at Cindy Rushton’s Ultimate Homeschool Expo 2008, coming up in just a few weeks. Tickets are on sale now for this huge online event, which will feature:

Get more details at Cindy’s website!

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