Since 1995, WHRO has invited kindergarten to fifth grade students to pull out their pens and colored pencils and get creative! Originally known as the Reading Rainbow Writers and Illustrators Contest, the PBS KIDS Writers Contest calls for children from around Hampton Roads to write their own original story, poem or non-fiction piece and illustrate it. Student entries can be submitted in either the general or environmental category. The general category encourages students to write and draw whatever they would like, letting their imaginations run wild. For the environmental category, students create an innovative story with an environmental topic or theme. Students can write about recycling, climate change or preserving nature, for example. This category was added to the contest in 2018 as part of WHRO’s Batten Environmental Education Initiative.

All students entering the contest receive a special PBS KIDS Certificate. First-place and second-place winners are selected in each grade level for each category and notified by the end of April. Winners will receive a cash prize and participate in an award celebration in their honor.

Many of the PBS KIDS Writer’s Contest stories are also featured on Ms. Martha Reads, a WHRO production that airs new episodes Fridays at 10 a.m. on Facebook. Past episodes of Ms. Martha Reads can be found at whro.org/marthareads. Make sure to check it out for inspiration to create new stories to enter into the PBS KIDS Writers Contest.

WHRO recognizes the importance of giving students the opportunity to use their storytelling talents to spark creativity and develop critical thinking and written communication skills. Last year we received nearly 200 amazing stories written by very talented kids, and we are looking forward to reading this year’s entries!

Don’t wait to get started! Entries must be postmarked by Friday, March 25.

Find the entry form and contest rules at here.

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