NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. It is an annual event, taking place every November. Writers push themselves to write without editing, to the tune of 50,000 words in thirty days. The point is to simply write off the cuff to get the ideas out, and then later go back and rework everything, once the words have stopped flowing. Or in this case, anytime starting December 1st. NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program is an adaptation for those under the age of seventeen.
Getting started as a young writer
Young writers who wish to participate in NaNoWriMo still need to set up an account, just like adult writers do. Create a username and password. Share a picture, if you wish, and some information about what you would like to write. Establish your word count goal for the month. Kids, ages seventeen and under, who sign up via the NaNoWriMo Young Writers program site are able to choose their own word count goal. Those who are thirteen and older can elect to sign up via the regular NaNoWriMo site, but then are obligated to fulfill the 50,000 word requirement.
Start writing on November 1st, whether on the computer or with pen-and-paper. Keep track of the number of words, and regularly post updates to the website. You can even include an excerpt if you are so inclined.
Notes and outlines are encouraged, and can be created in advance. NaNoWriMo provides workbooks for students to use to get started.
Winners at the end of the month are those who have reached their word count goal. There are no other prizes for “Best Work” or anything like that. It is intrinsic motivation to challenge yourself to do something you have never done before. Participants who complete the challenge will receive a web icon and a certificate to remind themselves of a job well done. StudentPublishing.com will send Young Writers in grades K-5 a free proof copy of their manuscript. CreateSpace is doing the same for grades 6-12.
What teachers need to know
Educators can facilitate the NaNoWriMo Young Writers experience by incorporating it into lesson plans and encouraging students to keep on going. They provide lesson plans by grade level to teach children the steps they need to follow to write their novels. Educators can order a classroom noveling kit, to help students keep track within the classroom. Teachers can also create a virtual classroom to assist with keeping track of the young writers’ progress.
Information submitted when creating the online educator’s account is kept private. The exact address of your school is never shared. All submissions are only kept online long enough to ascertain the word counts, and then are permanently deleted. All submissions remain the property of the author. Feel free to contact them with any further questions, if they are not addressed in the FAQs.
Resources:
NaNoWriMo’s Young Writers Program website http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/node/1
