Teachers, homeschooling parents and children may be interested in writing contests for a fun and rewarding activity. The act of writing in itself is a necessary part of education; however, adding a competition into the mix can increase a student’s motivation.

Three such writing contests for kids that are held by reputable organizations/companies include: The Young Voices of America Premier Fiction Writing Contest, PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest and the Scholastic Kids are Authors writing contest.

The Young Voices of America Premier Fiction Writing Contest includes three winning categories according to age: category one, grades 7-12, category two, grades 3-6 and category three, grades prek-2. Prizes range from $15-25 for the lower grades to $100-250 for the higher grades. The grand prize is $500.

This year, writers are asked to submit a funny, fictional story by August 30, 2010. For more information, visit Young Voices Foundation.

The PBS KidsGo! Writers Contest is, “…a Contest for all kids in K-3rd grade who want to write and illustrate their own stories.” Each local PBS station will hold their contest between January and March annually. First prize is a laptop computer, second place wins a digital camera and third prize is a MP3 player. Everyone will receive a certificate of achievement for their entry. Go to the PBSKids Contest Page for more information.

Try the Scholastic Kids are Authors writing contest for children in grades k-8 to involve students in the writing process as a group effort. Scholastic encourages kids to use their skills as storytellers to create their own unique books. This contest includes an artistic side as well with their call for illustrations.

An adult, serving as “Project Coordinator,” will keep students, in groups of three or more, on task and working together. There are two categories—fiction and nonfiction—and the winning team from each category will receive $5000 in Scholastic merchandise for the school or non-profit organization of its choice. Check out the Scholastic Contest Page to learn more.

There are many more writing contests available for kids, but here is a place to start. Each contest encourages students to use their best writing skills, their imaginations and their knowledge of the world to complete works worthy of competition. This is a perfect learning tool for teachers to use and a great way for children to, “show what they know.”