Just across the street from the student writing center 826 Valencia in San Francisco, co-founder and bestselling author Dave Eggers has opened a library full of children's writings published into neatly bound paperback books.
The center is among the latest examples of how educators can engage students in writing by having them produce work for authentic audiences. In another example, an 8-year-old in Boise, Idaho, in 2022 wrote an 81-page illustrated Christmas book and had it stocked at a local library.
When students see their work published and know their words will be read beyond their immediate circle of family, teacher or classmates, that can encourage them to write more, according to Tonya Perry, president of the National Council of Teachers of English.
Indeed, educators should find ways to spark students to want to write — and then provide avenues that motivate them to do so, Perry said.
“Providing the opportunity for students to have their writing published stimulates and encourages their talents,” said Perry, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama. “We do see that students are driven to write when they know their work will be read and enjoyed by others.”
One avenue that educators can tap into to encourage young writers is through NCTE’s annual student writing awards, which is accepting submissions through Feb. 15. Perry said NCTE is “seeing more participation than ever” for its three programs, the Achievement Awards in Writing for grade 10-11 students, Promising Young Writers for grade 8, and National Writing Award for grades 11-12.
“Each year, we see more schools nominating their middle and high school students for NCTE awards, and more students nominating themselves and submitting original writings,” she said. Additionally, NCTE has compiled a list of resources for publishing student writing.
Educators can also connect with local libraries that offer programming supporting student writing and providing self-publishing tips.
For example, Fort Bend County Libraries in Texas have hosted self-publishing programs open to all library cardholders, including children.
“Libraries can play an essential role in fostering writers of all ages in their communities,” said Cindy Hohl, president of the American Library Association. Providing these resources, programs and spaces, she said, can help students feel empowered and determined to continue writing and publishing.
