Blog Case Study with E.A. Young Academy
By Young Writers |
At E.A. Young Academy, creative writing has long been a valued part of the curriculum. We spoke with Brenda Edins, a passionate educator who has participated in Young Writers contests for many years, to learn more about the impact the program has had on her students and school community.
Discovering Young Writers
Brenda Edins, a long-time educator at E.A. Young Academy, has been involved with Young Writers for many years. She first discovered the program while teaching 2nd and 3rd grade and was searching for a way to inspire her students to write creatively. “I came across your website and loved the way things were presented,” she says. “The instructional aspect as well as the opportunity for scholars to express their unique creativity was key to my choice to participate.”
Since then, Young Writers' contests have become a regular and anticipated part of Brenda’s teaching. Over time, she’s seen the program go from strength to strength. “Time has only strengthened my feeling that Young Writers has maintained and even improved the quality of the contests offered,” she explains. With a K–12 school community, she’s encouraged other students to take part as well, and found the process easy and engaging for all involved.
Impact On Student Motivation
The contests have had a noticeable impact on student motivation and writing. “My scholars now begin the year asking what their first writing challenge for Young Writers will be,” she says. They are eager to participate and put in more effort than Brenda has seen with other programs. Past anthologies are regularly pulled from shelves during free reading time, with students comparing entries to the literature they study in class - an unexpected bonus that deepens their appreciation of storytelling.
Benefits For Students
One of the biggest benefits Brenda sees in the contests is how they help her students find their voice as writers. “Young Writers’ contests allow scholars to become storytellers, dream weavers, and bridge builders,” she explains. “The contest gives them a framework within which to share their ideas in a beautiful way.” For Brenda, the structure encourages creativity while honoring each scholar’s individuality. She also highlights the practical writing skills her students gain through the process - proofreading, editing, and peer review - adding that “the sense of accomplishment scholars feel when seeing their work published is priceless.”
A Valuable Teaching Tool
Young Writers' contests now form an important part of Brenda’s lessons, integrating them into her writing curriculum as part of many different skill lessons. “We study good writing, classic writing, creative writing. The contests allow me to have scholars apply what we are learning.” She also uses the entries during weekly editing lessons, and over the years, this approach has become more deliberate and embedded in her planning.
To help students prepare, Brenda often connects contest themes with their current reading. “We use ideas from our current novel studies to brainstorm writing topics and scenarios,” she says. This helps students see the link between professional authors and their own developing writing styles. “Scholars will now ask if they will have a Young Writers’ contest to apply what they have learned.”
A Reason To Celebrate
This year, Brenda’s class had an extra reason to celebrate: they were named the overall school winners in the Young Writers Annual Showcase 2024. “My class and my entire school were thrilled to be chosen,” she says. “They could not wait to tell parents and share the news with other classes. Our trophy has a special table all its own just outside our classroom door!”
The recognition had a ripple effect across the school. “I have had other teachers ask about the program and how to be involved with their classes,” Brenda shares. Former participants dropped by to offer congratulations, and the achievement was even featured in a presentation to the school board, highlighting just how much the program is valued.
The Joy Of Being Published
For many students, being published is the highlight. Brenda says her scholars are always excited to see their work in print, but this year’s Showcase win made the experience especially memorable. “We have scholar-led conferences with parents at least once a year, and they asked to include a section of their presentation based on their status as a published author,” she shares. “The joy in receiving a book with their stories, that had been specially recognized, was tremendous.”
Brenda strongly encourages other teachers to get involved. “Please consider giving this opportunity to your scholars. It is so well thought-out and supported by Young Writers. You will see your scholars dive in with creativity and desire to have their voices heard.”
A Lasting Impact
Reflecting on her journey with Young Writers, Brenda says the program has left a lasting impact on her students and school. “Our school is better and our parents are more engaged because of your offering of such a wonderful program. My scholars, past and present, have benefited from your efforts, and they will never forget their participation in something so special.”