PBS39 Launches PBS Kids GO! Writer's Contest
Local contest part of effort to mobilize children across America to write and illustrate their own stories
Bethlehem, PA - January 26, 2010 - PBS39 is launching the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest, a national competition designed to promote the advancement of children's reading skills through hands-on, active learning.
The effort encourages children in grades K-3 in the Lehigh Valley and communities across the country, to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original stories and illustrations.
"We know from research that there is an important connection between writing and the development of early literacy skills, critical cornerstones for school readiness and achievement," said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President, Children's Media, PBS. "PBS KIDS GO! uses the power of media to open up the worlds of letters and words for all children, encouraging them to explore ways to communicate more effectively."
PBS39 will actively partner with schools, public libraries and other literacy organizations to implement the Contest. Children will be encouraged to write and illustrate stories and submit them to PBS39, which will select winners and award prizes.
First place local winners will be entered into the national level of the Contest where a renowned panel of judges will identify the national winners. Winners will be announced and national prizes, including laptops, digital cameras and MP3 players will be awarded in summer 2010.
"Kids naturally have a keen sense of curiosity and incredible imaginations," said Patricia Simon, President and CEO, PBS39, "The PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest will provide a safe virtual community forum for our Lehigh Valley children to express their ideas while fostering key early literacy skills such as story-telling."
Applications and additional information are available beginning January 27, 2010 by emailing Alyissa Gallagher at alyissag@wlvt.org. In addition, a new PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest Web site at pbskids.org/read will launch in early 2010. It will include the winning stories in each of the Contest categories, as well as a searchable archive.
About PBS39
PBS39 is a community-owned public television station licensed to Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, PA, serving eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey. PBS39 is owned and operated by the Lehigh Valley Public Telecommunications Corporation.-PBS39-
Website http://www.wlvt.org
PBS 39 Erin R. Firestone Director, Creative Services email: efirestone@wlvt.org phone: 610.984.8134 |