OETA has announced its annual PBS KIDS Writers Contest, designed to promote the advancement of children's literacy skills through hands-on, active learning.
The contest, part of OETA's statewide Ready to Learn education initiative, empowers children in grades K-3 to celebrate creativity and build literacy skills by writing and illustrating their very own stories.
"OETA is committed to helping Oklahoma children build valuable literacy skills through fun, hands-on opportunities to express their creativity and explore their imagination," said Dan Schiedel, OETA Executive Director and General Manager. "Through providing opportunities for kids to learn and explore through creative writing, OETA is making a commitment to its children and their long term success, in school and in life."
The contest is currently underway and entries can be submitted to OETA through March 30, 2015. OETA will select local winners and award prizes in the spring of 2015. The top three writers in each grade will be invited to a special celebration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol. All children who participate will receive a special certificate of achievement.
Local winners will also be entered into the national contest where a panel of esteemed judges will rank the top 12 entries. National winners will be announced during the summer of 2015 and the winning stories will be featured on pbskids.org.
This year's panel of national judges includes acclaimed writers and producers behind many PBS KIDS programs and prominent illustrators and authors working in the children's media space.
The contest is supported by a robust set of resources for children, parents and teachers. Story ideas, activity sheets, along with the previous winning entries are available at oeta.tv to inspire children during the brainstorming process. OETA/PBS LearningMedia provides a collection of online teacher resources for use in classrooms at oeta.pbslearningmedia.org.
OETA, Oklahoma's statewide PBS network, consistently engages Oklahomans across the state with educational and public television programming, outreach initiatives and online features that collectively encourage lifelong learning. Explore www.oeta.tv for more information about local productions, digital television, community resources and show schedules.