Years ago our PTO used to sponsor a writing event. The kids actually drafted their stories, do their illustrations and covers in class with the help of volunteers and then we would laminate and bind the books. The school had the laminator and binder and let us use them, so the cost was very minimal. We ended up stopping the program due to difficulty getting enough volunteers and due to the increased pressure on not using classroom time for "outside" projects.

I think writing skills are an area that is being increasingly ignored. I love to write-always have, and my daughter has developed that love too and I've even had teachers comment on her ability. I've been toying with the idea of trying to get a writing club going at the middle school where she goes. She thinks there would be lots of kids who would participate if it was offered, so I have to talk to the principal.

There are grants available; would include and author coming in to speak/work with the kids - possibly help choose the best book(s) in the end. Check with the librarian and grant sights.

Has anyone ever had a young authors event where the children wrote short stories with illustrations and displayed them for the whole school?
I'd like to promote this event this year. Our writing scores is where we need extra help and I thought this would be a great event for the kids to get excited about. The kids could receive gold emblem stickers for best illustration books, best story, etc... and then possibly the books that were chosen by the staff, maybe could be read during an assembly and some type of support. Looking for ideas. Thanks