NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program

 Adult writers have been doing NaNoWriMo for years - the annual National Novel Writing Month  - held annually during the month of November. Since it began in 1999, writers have taken on the challenge of writing 50,000-word novels starting each November 1. Writers track their word count online, and while planning and research can be done ahead of time, all writing must actually be done between November 1 and November 30.

In 2005, NaNoWriMo started its Young Writers Program for younger writers and for teachers who wanted to bring this unique writing challenge to their classrooms. The NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program is open is anyone who is age 17 and under - whether they are participating on their own or in a teacher-led K-12 program. Participants in the YWP and their teachers can set realistic word count goals that are age and ability appropriate, and there is also a handy Word Count calculator to use as a guide. Students can even write in teams or with partners. Individual writers ages 13 and over can also register to write 50,000-word novels, just like at the adult site.

According to the Young Writers Program website:

"In 2011, the Young Writers Program counted:

• 1,800 participating classrooms
• 50,000 registered writers and educators
• 81,000 total reach (comprising classroom participants + independent users)

In 2012, NaNoWriMo and the Young Writers Program expect to welcome over 300,000 authors writing novels in November."

The YWP website has resources for both writers and teachers. Lesson plans, workbooks, and discussion forums for support can all be found, was well as Pep Talks by well-known authors, web badges and flyers to promote the program. There are four downloadable curriculum guides covering grades K-12. Classroom Kits can also be ordered - one free for each teacher who is participating.

NaNoWriMo YWP is a great teaching tool for bringing real writing into the classroom. Focusing on writing a novel in a month gives students a real reason to write, and gives teachers great opportunities for teaching a host of writing skills to their students.

Once done - teachers can also look into publishing student work. CreateSpace and Figment are partnering with NaNoWriMo YWP to enable publication of student novels.

So, even though time is short to sign up - if you aren't familiar with NaNoWriMo - be sure to check it out and get your students involved in a great, and authentic, writing opportunity.

Original copyright 2012 +Irene Taylor. Permission to republish in print or online must be granted by Irene Taylor in writing.