PBS KIDS Announces Annual Writers Contest

Today, PBS KIDS announced its annual PBS KIDS Writers Contest, designed to promote the advancement of children's literacy skills through hands-on, active learning. The Contest is open to children in kindergarten, first, second and third grades and encourages them to celebrate their creativity while building literacy skills by writing and illustrating their own stories.

"PBS KIDS is committed to using the power of media to encourage children to learn and explore, on- and off-screen," said Lesli Rotenberg, General Manager, Children's Programming, PBS. "The PBS Kids Writers Contest allows kids to experience the hands-on process of developing their own stories and illustrations, which builds language skills such as reading, grammar and syntax, and encourages creativity."

How the Contest Works

PBS stations throughout the country will collaborate with schools, public libraries and other community-based organizations to present the PBS Kids Writers Contest in local communities. Each station will select local winners and award prizes.

The local winners will then be entered into the national contest, when a panel of esteemed judges will rank the top 12 entries. National winners will be announced during the summer of 2014, and the winning stories will be featured on pbskids.org/writerscontest.

The national winners will receive prizes courtesy of national prizing sponsor, LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. Winners will receive a prize package that will include LeapFrog's award-winning LeapReader Reading and Writing System. The Contest is also made possible through national promotional support from Highlights for Children. The PBS Kids Writers Contest is produced by PBS and based on the Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest, a concept developed by WNED-TV, Buffalo.

National Judges

This year's panel of national judges includes the following acclaimed writers, producers and children's media creators:

• Billy Aronson, creator, PEG + CAT
• Jeff Kinney, author (Diary of a Wimpy Kid series), online game developer and designer
• Martin Kratt, creator and co-executive producer, WILD KRATTS
• Chris Kratt, creator and co-executive producer, WILD KRATTS
• Joseph Mazzarino, head writer, director and puppeteer, SESAME STREET
• Jennifer Oxley, creator, PEG + CAT
• Vince Vawter, author (PAPERBOY)

To learn more about the judging panel, visit pbskids.org/writerscontest.

Creative Writing Resources

To help young writers get started, PBS Kids offers a robust set of resources for children, parents and teachers. Story ideas and activity sheets, along with the previous winning entries, are available on the Contest website to inspire children during the brainstorming process. PBS LearningMedia is also offering a collection of online teacher resources for use in classrooms nationwide.

To enter the Contest and for more information on entry rules and Contest resources, visit pbskids.org/writerscontest or your local PBS station website.

About PBS KIDS

PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online, mobile and community-based programs. Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including the PBS Kids video player, now offering free streaming video accessible on computer- and mobile-device-based browsers. For more information on specific PBS Kids content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS Kids on Twitter and Facebook.

About WNED

Through WNED-TV, ThinkBright and Well/WORLD TV, WBFO-FM 88.7 and Classical 94.5 WNED, member-supported WNED|WBFO provides high-quality programming and services to local, regional and national audiences that enlighten, inspire, entertain and educate Western New York and Southern Ontario communities. Additional information about WNED|WBFO can be found at wned.org.

About LeapFrog

LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. is the leader in educational entertainment for children. For nearly 20 years, LeapFrog has created award-winning learning solutions that combine educational expertise, innovative technology and a child's love for fun. With experiences that are personalized to each child's level, LeapFrog helps children achieve their potential through LeapFrog's proprietary learning tablets, learn to read and write systems, interactive learning toys and more, all designed or approved by LeapFrog's full-time in-house team of learning experts. LeapFrog's Learning Path, the ultimate guide for parents on early childhood, is designed specifically to help support and guide their child's learning with personalized ideas and feedback, fun activities and expert advice. LeapFrog is based in Emeryville, California, and was founded in 1995 by a father who revolutionized technology-based learning solutions to help his child learn how to read. Learn more at www.leapfrog.com.

About Highlights for Children, Inc. (www.Highlights.com)

Devoted to "Fun with a Purpose," family media brand Highlights for Children, Inc. has helped children become their best selves for generations. In addition to the flagship magazine, Highlights' other offerings include a preschool magazine (High Five), an infant magazine (Hello), a children's book company (Boyds Mills Press), puzzle book clubs and a variety of digital products.

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