Case Study with Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School

By Young Writers | Case Study

This case study focuses on the experiences and outcomes of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School’s involvement in Young Writers' national writing contests.

When Lindsey Kochman began teaching a creative writing elective at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, she was eager to give her students opportunities that would offer a purpose for their writing which would excite and engage them. After hearing about Young Writers from a colleague, Lindsey decided to introduce the contests to her class.

Lindsey began by offering them as an optional, extra-credit opportunity, but it soon became a regular part of her curriculum. As she grew more familiar with the website and resources, she started incorporating the contests as graded assignments, giving students the chance not only to practice and refine their writing skills but also to see their work published. She explained that the experience was especially rewarding for them: “The bonus was that students could potentially win prizes, become published, and receive a book that their work was in.”

Her favourite contests are the 100-word mini saga themes, which she often runs around Halloween to give students inspiration for scary stories. The short format helps students focus on descriptive language and precision, encouraging them to hone in on creative writing elements. Lindsey shared that these contests “encourage students to write more descriptively, especially when they have a 100-word limit.”

Young Writers’ resources also play an important role in her classroom, providing educators with a wide range to choose from. Lindsey finds the lesson plans and PowerPoints organized and clear, and she appreciates how the graphic organizers support all learners – particularly those with additional needs. She often combines Young Writers’ activities with visual design tools like Canva, allowing students to transform their stories into creative visual pieces.

The creative writing elective at Diman Regional sometimes places students in the class as it’s the only option available, meaning not every student is an enthusiastic writer. One of Lindsey’s most memorable moments came from a reluctant writer who had been placed in her class last year:

“Teaching creative writing can be challenging for students who enter the classroom claiming they hate writing or are not good at it, but Young Writers contests tend to change that outlook. I had a student last year who claimed he hated writing and was terrible at it, but when he finished his Fright Club Mini Saga, he was proud to submit it. He even read it out loud to the class, which was optional, not mandatory. I think the story helped him come out of his shell personally and academically.”

Seeing students’ work in print is always a highlight. For Lindsey, publication “makes students’ writing come to life. It teaches them that their work is valuable.”

She frequently recommends Young Writers’ contests to other teachers and encourages those new to the program to take their time exploring the range of materials so they can utilize them in the best way to suit their class. Her advice is simple but wise: make the most of what connects with your students and teaching style, and the time you have available.

Reflecting on the overall impact, Lindsey believes Young Writers’ contests “get students interested and excited to write” bringing creativity, confidence, and purpose into the classroom.