A Wander In The Woods 2023
Creative Writing Contest
Elementary School

Take a wander in the woods and get your whole school writing...
Engage and inspire your students to write a mini saga, a story told in 100 words!
There's nothing better than a campfire tale, so we're inviting your students to craft their own story inspired by a walk in the woods. From fantastical, imaginary tales to real-life events, from supernatural stories to recounts of well-known legends, there's no shortage of inspiration to get their creativity flowing!
Perfect for 6-13 year-olds, it's easy to adapt to different abilities and link with your current topics. Plus there are loads of FREE online resources to download to support your teaching including:
🌲 Example stories from previous contest winners
🍄 Story mountain to help students plan their tales
🌲 How To Write a Mini Saga Lesson plan
🍄 Accompanying PowerPoint presentation (also available in Google Slides)
🌲 Student information guide so you can set the activity as homework
🍄 Word Doc entry form if you prefer a paperless option
So if you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a delightful surprise as your students develop into confident writers. We can't wait to read their stories!
Entries need to be received by December 22, 2023.


Rules
To make sure your entries are valid, please follow the rules listed below:
Only one entry per student, there is no limit to the number of entries per school. Teachers please submit your entries altogether where possible!
Mini sagas can be on the entry form or a sheet of paper or typed.
Mini sagas must be your students' own work.
Mini sagas must be told in no more than 100 words (the title isn't included in this).
Ensure that all students include their name and age on their entries.
Story starters are optional but if used must be included in your students' word count.
US entrants only.
Free to enter.
If you are unsure on any rules or have any queries, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.
For Schools
The Young Writers’ Award of Excellence is awarded to the school that submits the best set of entries for this contest.
PLUS every participating school receives a free copy of the book their students feature in.
(The more entries you send, the more free books you’ll receive: E.g. Send 1-30 entries & you'll receive 1 free copy, send 31-60 entries you'll receive 2 free copies, etc.)
For Students
Our favorite 3 writers will each win a fantastic creative writing goody bag!
PLUS every entrant receives a bookmark for taking part. Students chosen for publication also receive a certificate.
(The school & student winners will be chosen from the entries received Nov-Dec 2023 and prizes awarded the following semester.)
Online
Here are the ways you can enter digitally - please choose one:
Send your entries by uploading them:
Use the Online Writing Portal if you want your students to type their work during a lesson or for homework.
Alternatively, you can submit your entries via Google Docs - please make sure that we have permission to access and download the files.
By Mail
Send your entries, along with your school entry form, to:
Young Writers A Wander In The Woods 2023
77 Walnut Street
Unit 11
Peabody MA 01960
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Get In Touch
Mail
Young Writers
77 Walnut Street
Unit 11
Peabody MA 01960
Email
[email protected]
Tel
323-244-4784