South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Young writers contest begins Jan. 24

Children in kindergarten through third grade can submit original stories for Channel 9’s 11th annual “Reading Rainbow” Young Writers and Illustrators Contest, according to a news release.

The contest strengthens children’s reading skills and encourages them to express their ideas through stories using words and pictures.

Last year, the contest attracted more than 45,000 entries nationwide, including 529 entries from the St. Louis area. Entries are judged locally, and those winners advance to the national competition.

Each child who enters the contest locally will be invited to a party sponsored by Channel 9 in May and will receive a special certificate of achievement signed by “Reading Rainbow” host LeVar Burton.

National first-, second- and third-place winners will receive a “Reading Rainbow” library set of 10 DVDs and matching feature books and will have their stories featured on www.pbskids.org.

“We know that educationally it’s important for young children to experience the writing process, and illustrating their text is natural for them. Teachers tell us that this contest motivates kids to write,” Twila Liggett, “Reading Rainbow” executive producer, stated in the release.

The contest begins Jan. 24. All entries must be postmarked no later than March 18.

Entry forms are available at any area Bradburn’s Parent Teacher Stores; on-line at www.ketc.org; at all city, county and regional libraries within the KETC viewing area; and by calling Channel 9’s contest coordinator Sydney Meyer at (314) 512-9137.