How to Enter the 500 Words Competition for Kids

Are you looking to spark your child’s creativity and get them involved in an exciting writing competition? The BBC 500 Words Competition, one of the UK’s largest children’s writing events, is perfect for young storytellers aged 5 to 11! This annual contest, launched in 2011, is a fantastic opportunity for kids to unleash their imaginations and share stories they’d love to read. Plus, it’s easy to participate! Here’s everything you need to know about How to Enter the 500 Words competition, from writing tips and submission details to rules and prizes.

What is the BBC 500 Words Competition?

The 500 Words Competition is an annual event celebrating children’s creativity by inviting them to write original stories no longer than 500 words. Created by former BBC Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans, the competition has grown tremendously since its inception in 2011, with over a million stories submitted to date! The best part? The competition is all about storytelling, not perfect spelling or grammar. So, regardless of your child’s reading and writing level, they can participate and shine based on their ideas, characters, and unique voice.

Age Categories

There are two age groups for the competition:

• 5-7 years old
• 8-11 years old

These age categories ensure that children are judged fairly among their peers. So, whether your little one is in the early stages of storytelling or a budding author, the 500 Words Competition has a category that suits them.

What to Write About

One of the best things about the 500 Words Competition is that children have the freedom to write about anything! They can create wacky characters, heartwarming plots, or thrilling adventures. Stories that make readers laugh, cry, or think deeply are all encouraged. Kids are only asked to write a story they would love to read themselves, no matter the topic or genre.

If your child needs inspiration, the BBC 500 Words website has fantastic learning resources to help them brainstorm ideas and get started on their story. Visit the BBC’s 500 Words learning resources to get inspired.

How to Enter the 500 Words Competition

Entering the 500 Words Competition is a simple, three-step process:

1. Write an Original Story: The story should be no more than 500 words, not including the title. It needs to be a unique idea written entirely by your child. The competition encourages original prose, so poems and group submissions are not eligible.
2. Prepare for Submission: Parents, guardians, or teachers must register for a “Submitter Account” on the BBC’s 500 Words website. This account allows you to submit stories for more than one child, which makes it easy if siblings want to participate.
3. Submit Online: Once the story is complete, you can submit it directly through the BBC’s 500 Words submission page. You can either type the story directly into the online form or copy and paste it from a document. Submit your child’s story on the BBC website.

It’s really that easy!

The Rules: What Parents and Kids Need to Know

While the 500 Words Competition is all about fun and creativity, there are a few important rules to keep in mind:

• Word Count: The story must be 500 words or fewer (the title is not included in this count).
• Originality: The story must be the child’s own original idea. No stories created or developed by AI tools are permitted.
• Prose Only: The story should be written like a regular story, so poems, songs, or rap lyrics are not eligible.
• Individual Entries: Only one story per child is allowed, and it must be submitted individually—not as part of a group.

Additionally, stories should not include personal details (like the child’s name or location) or retell historical events. However, your child can use a historical figure or event as inspiration for their story.

Judging Criteria

Each story is judged on:

• Characterisation: The uniqueness and depth of the characters.
• Plot: The structure and progression of the story.
• Originality: The creativity and novelty of the story idea.
• Language: The use of descriptive and engaging language.
• Enjoyment: How entertaining and enjoyable the story is to read.

Judges read all entries anonymously, which means the story’s content and creativity are what truly matter!

Prizes: What Can Kids Win?

The prizes for the 500 Words Competition are absolutely fantastic. Winners in each category are invited to a grand finale event at Buckingham Palace. This magical day includes:

• A live reading of the winning stories by celebrity guests.
• A beautifully illustrated cover for each winning story, created by one of six talented illustrators.

Prizes for Winners

In both age categories (5-7 and 8-11), the top three winners receive:

• Gold Prize: The height of Sir Lenny Henry in books, plus 500 books for their school library.
• Silver Prize: The height of Her Majesty The Queen in books.
• Bronze Prize: The average height of a child (relative to their age group) in books.

Additionally, the 50 shortlisted finalists will receive a £20 National Book Token and an invitation to the Buckingham Palace event, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.

Important Dates to Remember

For 2024, here are the key dates:

• Competition Opens: Tuesday, 24th September 2024
• Submission Deadline: Friday, 8th November 2024, by 9 PM

Make sure to mark these dates on your calendar to ensure your child’s story is submitted on time!

Tips to Help Your Child Write a Winning Story

Here are some ideas to support your child in crafting a fantastic story for the competition:

1. Brainstorm Ideas: Encourage your child to think about different story ideas before settling on one. They could create a mind map of characters, settings, and plot twists they’d like to explore.
2. Encourage Free Writing: Remind your child that it’s okay to let their imagination run wild. This competition celebrates creativity, so their story can be as unique or as quirky as they like!
3. Read Together: Reading other children’s books or stories can help inspire your child. It can also help them see how stories are structured and how characters come to life.
4. Practice Story Outlines: Even a short 500-word story can benefit from a simple outline. Have your child jot down a beginning, middle, and end to help organize their thoughts.
5. Edit and Refine: Once they’ve written a first draft, guide your child through an editing process. They can focus on making sure their story flows well and that their ideas are clearly presented.

Benefits of Entering the 500 Words Competition

Apart from the incredible prizes, the 500 Words Competition offers children numerous benefits:

• Boosting Creativity: This competition gives kids a platform to share their ideas in a fun, pressure-free way.
• Building Confidence: Writing a story and seeing it submitted to a national competition can be a huge confidence booster.
• Developing Writing Skills: While grammar and spelling aren’t judged, kids will still practice important writing skills as they craft their stories.
• Fostering a Love for Reading and Writing: Many children discover a passion for storytelling and reading as they prepare for the competition.

Why Your Child Should Enter the 500 Words Competition

If your child loves telling stories, then the 500 Words Competition could be a fantastic opportunity for them. This competition celebrates the power of imagination and gives children the chance to have their voices heard. Plus, with the chance to attend a star-studded finale event at Buckingham Palace, it’s an adventure they’ll never forget!

So, gather around, brainstorm those wild ideas, and start typing! The BBC 500 Words Competition awaits your child’s creativity and passion. With a bit of imagination and a lot of fun, they just might see their story come to life in ways they never dreamed of. Happy writing!