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Writing Contests for Kids and Teens

Taught by a published author! Join us to write, edit, and submit your work to various national and international writing contests. For classes held in Fall 2024, we are submitting to the Scholastic Art & Writing 2025 Contest.
Jackson Pearce Classes: Love Writing
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(1,826)
Popular
Class

What's included

6 live meetings
5 in-class hours
Homework
2-4 hours per week. To get the most out of this class, students should be prepared to dedicate time to their writing each week.

Class Experience

✨New to Outschool? Use code JACKSON20 to save $20 on this class!✨


✏️ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝘂𝗽, 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲, 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱-𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹! ✏️

𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭 2024 𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘈𝘳𝘵 & 𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 2025 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 1923, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴, 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘦𝘦 𝘰𝘧 $10 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦'𝘴 𝘵𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦: 𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.𝘰𝘳𝘨/

Writing contests can be a fantastic way for kids and teens to practice writing with a specific goal in mind, as well as potentially receive recognition for their work. In this class, the teacher will help students review the guidelines and requirements of a contest, develop a piece for it, and offer feedback and support as they edit and prepare to submit their work!

Contests for this class are carefully selected with our students in mind; we do not select unproven contests, those that require hefty entry fees, or those that will stake any claim or ownership to our students' work. As published authors, we are well aware of the value of one's creative work, and are thus are extremely protective of our students' interests!

Class one: Why writing contests?
Learn more about the Scholastic Art & Writing Competitions. Learn more about guidelines and requirements.

Class two: What is a story, really?
Learn more about what a story actually is. Learn about the four act structure for storytelling. Learn more about proper manuscript formatting. 

Class three: Revising vs. Editing
Difference between Revision and Editing. How to edit & revise your own work. Tips & tricks to make revising easier. 

Class four: Constructive Criticism
Learn about constructive criticism. Learn the LED method when accepting critique. Learn the “Crap Sandwich” method of giving critique.  How to get and give effective feedback. Protecting yourself from bad feedback. 

Class five: Submission Details
Managing emotions and expectations. What happens before sub. What happens after sub. How to deal with rejection. How to deal with acceptance. 

Class six: Final questions and prepare to submit!
Final questions about any part of this process. Final chance to get personalized feedback.  Mark calendars for contest opening deadlines. Congratulations on all your hard work and good luck with your story entry!
Learning Goals
Students will conceive, develop, and prepare to submit their creative writing to a contest!
Students will receive feedback and support from a published author.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
6 Lessons
over 6 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Why writing contests?
 Why writing contests? Learn more about the Scholastic Art & Writing Competitions. Learn more about guidelines and requirements. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
What is a story, really?
 Learn more about what a story actually is. Learn about the four act structure for storytelling. Learn more about proper manuscript formatting. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Revising vs. Editing
 Difference between Revision and Editing. How to edit & revise your own work. Tips & tricks to make revising easier. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Constructive Criticism
 Learn about constructive criticism. Learn the LED method when accepting critique. Learn the “Crap Sandwich” method of giving critique.  How to get and give effective feedback. Protecting yourself from bad feedback. 
50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Your student will be asked to create an account at https://www.artandwriting.org/, which will be connected to the teacher's account so that she can guide them through the submission process!
Joined November, 2018
4.9
1826reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Georgia Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
Nelson Dean M.Ed.
Master's Degree in Education from Lehigh University
Tiffany Schmidt M.Ed.
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from Davidson College
Tracy Banghart
Bachelor's Degree in English from The University of Georgia
Jackson Pearce
Bachelor's Degree in English from Agnes Scott College
Anna Dodds
Hello! My name is Jackson Pearce, and I'm the owner of Love Writing-- an organization dedicated to inspiring kids to love writing, reading, and all things language arts.

After teaching on Outschool by myself for three years, I decided to bring in some amazing teachers to teach alongside me! 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱-𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀-- 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀. Information about each teacher is below; when you go to sign up for a class, you’ll see the teacher clearly labeled on the schedule so you know just who your learner will be with!

At a glance info:
-All classes are taught by award-winning published authors.
-We do not use AI to generate lessons or content-- ever!
-We offer classes for reluctant writers, casual writers, pre-professional writers, and everything in-between!
-We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive learning environment.
-We pride ourselves on classroom management and ensuring all voices are heard.
-Between us, our teachers have over 55 published books, 9 advanced degrees, and 10,000 students taught!


𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗲:
I'm the author of sixteen books for tweens and teens, including the 𝘗𝘪𝘱 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵'𝘴 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 series (Scholastic), the 𝘌𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦, 𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘳 series (Bloomsbury), and the 𝘋𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 series (Bloomsbury). My books are published in twenty-three languages around the world, and have won multiple state and national awards. I have taught creative writing classes across the country at schools, libraries, colleges, and camps, and have taught over 7000 students here on Outschool! I also have a bachelor's in English from the University of Georgia.
I have taught creative writing classes, camps, and seminars for kids for over ten years. My approach is to teach creative writing as play— something that is to be enjoyed, experimented with, and shared. Too often I find that students are their own worst critics; I aim to remind them that there’s value and fun to be had in everything you write, whether it’s good, bad, or in-between. 
My classes are fun, informative, and engaging, and I genuinely love helping students uncover or hone their writing talents. Students are encouraged to speak and ask questions during class, and I do my best to relate the material to their likes, dislikes, and interests so they connect better with the coursework. I love teaching Wings of Fire classes, as well as book club classes!

𝗧𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗶𝗱𝘁:
In addition to spending seven years as a sixth grade teacher, I’ve taught kindergarten, preschool, and worked extensively with middle and high school writers as a tutor. I have a Master’s in Elementary Education and a B.A. in English, both from Lehigh University. 
Oh yeah, and I’m the author of nine novels for teens and tweens, as well as the momma of three impish Schmidtlets. I’m looking forward to connecting with young writers and readers on Outschool. My goal for my students is always for them to Grow and Glow—knowing it’s safe to try hard and take risks, while feeling good about what they accomplish. My teaching style is dynamic optimism and I can’t wait to write together! 

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁:
Hi! I'm the author of several young adult books, including the Grace and Fury series (Little, Brown), and the forthcoming Perfect Girl (Feiwel & Friends). I also write picture books, including the forthcoming Love Like Chocolate (Little, Brown). 
I have a BA in English from Davidson College and an MA in Publishing from Oxford Brookes University. I love creative writing and can't wait to share with you all that I've learned over the years. 
I'm also an avid journal writer, traveler, Girl Scout leader, Army wife, knitter, stained glass artist, and mom to two kiddos and three pets. I'm looking forward to writing with you!

𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹:
Saundra Mitchell is an award-winning and critically-acclaimed author of twelve novels and two non-fiction history books, and an editor of four anthologies—all for young people. She primarily writes for tweens and teens, and has spent the last fifteen years of her career fighting for the reading rights of young people, especially those from marginalized groups and backgrounds. For almost twenty years, Mitchell was also the head screenwriter and an executive producer for Fresh Films, the largest filmmaking program for teens in the world. During her tenure, she wrote more than four hundred short films, half of which competed at film festivals all around the world. Ten earned Academy Award eligibility. Mitchell also teaches creative writing and screenwriting to students of all ages, and enjoys reading, studying history, playing ttrpgs and video games, and spending time with her wife and daughters. After a lifetime in the midwest, she now resides in Maryland. Her pronouns are she/they.

𝗘𝗺𝗺𝗮 𝗞. 𝗢𝗵𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
Emma K. Ohland has been telling stories since before she knew how to write them down. She grew up in the middle of a cornfield in Indiana, but her imagination often carried her away to other worlds. When she’s not writing, reading, or smelling books, she enjoys traveling, crocheting, D&D, and snuggling with her rescue greyhound. She is the award-winning author of FUNERAL GIRL as well as her upcoming novel HERE GOES NOTHING, and her work is featured in the short story anthology OUT THERE. Before publishing, she was an admissions officer of a top 50 university where she read and made decisions on over 5,000 student applications. Along with writing, she is also a private college counselor where she helps students gain admission by crafting strong personal narratives utilizing storytelling techniques. Her students have been accepted into top schools such as the UCs, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, University of Michigan, UT Austin, Northeastern, and more.

𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗗𝗼𝗱𝗱𝘀:
Anna Dodds is a published media scholar and award-winning creative writer with a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing and Film Studies. She has spent her whole life telling stories, and has experience with a variety of storytelling mediums, including but not limited to: prose, screenplays, Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, YouTube Videos, essays, and stop-motion animation.

𝗡𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗻:
I have been a high school music teacher for fifteen years, and a high school history and English teacher for the last eleven years. In that time, I have taught a wide variety of classes including Percussion Methods, Geography, U.S. History, AP World History, AP European History, AP Art History, and AP English Language. I also serve as a College Board reader in AP European History, so the arts and humanities are a passion as well as my professional field of expertise. During the last decade, I have been my school's teacher of the year and a semi-finalist for county teacher of the year as well. I hold a B.A. in History with a minor in French and a Master of Education degree, all from the University of Georgia.
As an educator, I love to cultivate curiosity, and focus on educating in a way that is both entertaining and connective to other learning and life experiences we have - learning does us much more good when it is something that we can use and share with others! For that reason, I really believe in making learning a dialogue, and something that is shared. 
In addition to teaching language arts classes in Jackson’s organization, I also teach a variety of history classes on Outschool! Find more information on those here: https://outschool.com/teachers/Nelson-Dean

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Live Group Course
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$32

weekly or $187 for 6 classes
1x per week, 6 weeks
50 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
4-8 learners per class

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