Student Writing Contest: Win Author Visit and Books

Dragons are the topic of a writing contest underway for kids.

Charlesbridge Publishing, one of the premier publishing companies supplying children’s picture books featured on Big Universe, is sponsoring a student story writing contest. The prompt – “If I had a pet dragon…” – is a fun one and is sure to get your students’ creative juices flowing!

Children in kindergarten through third grade are invited to write about how they would spend a perfect fun-filled day if they had their very own pet dragons. Their stories will be submitted to children’s book author and illustrator David Biedrzycki, whose book, “Me and My Dragon,” was just published in July. Writing will be judged on originality and creativity. (Mr. Biedrzycki loves artwork, so kids are encouraged to create illustrations to go with their text, too.)

The winning story will appear on www.charlesbridge.com, and the contest winner will earn a classroom visit from the gregarious Mr. Biedrzycki next spring, plus a $100 gift certificate to a local book store. Two runners-up will get an autographed copy of the author’s humorous dragon book. (See Mr. Biedrzycki in action on the following YouTube clip.)

Entries may be submitted through Dec. 31, 2011, and winners will be notified the following month. Teachers and students can read additional rules and contest submission guidelines by visiting Charlesbridge’s website.

This activity provides ample opportunity for expansion of vocabulary and for practicing grammar and spelling. If your students use Big Universe’s Author Tool, they can practice their computer skills, too. Any prizes earned would be icing on the cake!

Other Dragon Books on BigUniverse.com

• “The Little Dragon Who Couldn’t Breathe Fire,” Grade Level: 2-3 (Lobster Press)
• “Dragon,” Grade Level: 5-7 (Illumination Arts)
• “The Crafty Dragon,” Grade Level: 2-3 (Remedia Publications)
• “The Little Wizard,” Grade Level: 4-6 (Illumination Arts)
• “Can I Bring My Pterodactyl to School, Ms. Johnson?,” Grade 2 and up (Charlesbridge)  *While not a fire-breathing sort, the pterodactyl in this children’s story makes an adequate substitute!

‘First Day Jitters’ – Rhythm and Blues

Here we go! Summer is winding down, and the school year is gearing up. It’s kind of like January, just a whole heck of a lot hotter.

While it’s inevitable that the new year will pose some challenges, the first day of school brings to mind the old saying, “Starting with a clean slate.” All things are new and fresh. All things are possible.

The spontaneity of summer days is fun – but it’s sorta like hearing an improv session on the bongo drums. A little goes a long way.

The upcoming school year, however, resembles a really good drum corps that unifies syncopated cadences with a solid bass beat. The sound is powerful and engaging, inspiring people to dance, clap and tap their feet in sync with the rhythm. A good school does the same thing.

That paints a pretty picture, but the fact is that some students can’t hear the rhythm. Their little hearts are beating too hard.

The first day of school can cause nerves to jangle and imaginations to go into overdrive. However, parents, caregivers and older siblings can do a lot to calm fears and clear up misconceptions.

Talking about what to expect on Day One and in the following weeks at school helps little ones prepare for changes. Drive by or visit the school. Take time to ask and answer questions. If you have photographs of your first day of school, dig out those golden oldies and show them to your kids. They’ll get a kick out of them.

Help your child write a story about the new adventure ahead of him. It will be fun to reread at the end of the school year.

You also can read books such as “First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg and illustrator Judy Love. The Charlesbridge book is charming and rates 5 out of 5 stars on Big Universe.

Lobster Press has published a first-day-of-school themed book too, titled “The Little Dragon Who Couldn’t Breathe Fire.”  It’s a cute story; take a peek.

Magination Press released a book by Dianne Blomberg back in 1999 titled “Sam and Gram and the First Day of School: A Story to Answer a Child’s Questions & Soothe Fears about School.” In addition to the story, two helpful sections have been added for parents. 

A few years ago, the Monroe County Public Library in Bloomington, Ind., compiled an extensive book list about kids and their school experiences. Check it out.

If you can recommend other picture books about the first day of school, please share!

Best wishes and happy new (school) year.