Jun. 18, 2017
Each year World Literacy Canada sponsors Write for a Better World which is a nation-wide writing contest for Canadian students in Grades 5 to 8.
The story prompt for this years’ contest was created by guest judge and award-winning author of Missing Nimama, Melanie Florence.
It can be hard when we lose someone important to us in our lives, or when we watch someone close to use lose someone who is important to them. I remember how I felt when I lost someone important to me. In my case, it was when my best friend in the world moved away with her family.
Students were asked to use their voice to write an original, powerful story in 400 words or less, following the story prompt. Hundreds of youth submitted moving, thought-provoking, inspiring pieces. The stories displayed incredible wisdom and creativity.
Students and staff at Mountain Park School were astonished to discover that five out of the ten finalists were our very own Grade 7 and 8 students! Thanks to MPS Humanities teachers, Ms. Wasylciw, Ms. Hunt, Ms. Nixon, and Ms. O’Neill these students were introduced to the short story writing contest that promotes global citizenship and then given class time to brainstorm, plan, create, edit, and submit their work.
MPS finalists include Kyla C., Maggie R., Sydney C., and Breah P. from Grade 8 and Lexie J. from Grade 7. Their creative stories were focused on the theme of ‘Loss, Community, and Friendship’. These young authors prove that writing and literacy can forge connections between cultures, encourage respect for others, and empower youth.
A committee of children’s writers and educators judged the hundreds of submissions on the following criteria:
- On Target: Has the writer written about a place and culture that is different from their own? Is there indication that the author learned something about the culture?
- Creativity: How unique is the writer’s approach to the topic?
- Clarity and organization: How is the story organized? Is there a clear beginning, middle and ending?
- Spelling and Grammar
- Main Character: Is the main character well-written? Does he/she represent the ideals of global citizenship?
Write for a Better World national writing contest aims to inspire a sense of community in Canada’s youth. Formerly known as ‘Write/Right to Read,’ the contest has engaged more than 6,300 Canadian students since 2008!
Read all 10 winning stories at www.worldlit.ca.
