Creativity, imagination, and just 100 words. That’s all it took for students at Boyd E. Smith Elementary to earn national recognition.
Students in Mr. Pete Parnin’s class last year were recently named first-place winners in the Young Writers “Magic Map” competition, a nationwide contest that challenges elementary students to craft original short stories around a central theme.
Each year, Young Writers hosts creative writing contests designed to inspire students and build confidence in their writing. Students respond to themed prompts, submit their work and have the opportunity to be selected for publication in a book.
Mr. Parnin has incorporated the contest into his classroom for years, tying it to the English curriculum while giving students the chance to become published authors.
“Every year, I have my students write a 100-word story,” Parnin said. “There’s always a different theme. We edit it, revise it and then submit it.”
About a month later, students find out if their work has been selected. Those chosen for publication are included in a printed book that families can purchase, turning classroom writing into something students can hold onto for years.
“I wanted my story to be in a book,” Iva M. said. “My parents were super proud of me when I came home and showed them. They went, ‘Wow! You’re in a book!’”
For “Magic Map,” students were asked to create imaginative stories that could take readers anywhere through the use of a map. With only 100 words allowed, students had to be precise, creative and intentional in their storytelling.
To help students visualize the limit, Parnin uses a structured approach.
“They get an entry sheet that’s broken up into 100 spaces,” he said. “They can map it out and see what 100 words really looks like.”
Now in his seventh year participating in the contest, Parnin said the recognition came as a surprise to both him and his students.
“I’m actually very surprised, and I’m very grateful that I got to be in a class with all of those kids,” Amelia N. said. “Mr. Parnin helped us learn how to write good stories from start to finish, so I want to thank him for helping us win.”
From stories about magical maps leading to the future to adventures hidden in attics, students poured their personalities and passions into their writing. While not every story is selected for publication, students receive feedback with suggestions to improve their work. Schools with the strongest submissions are recognized, with Boyd E. Smith earning this year’s top honor.
Looking ahead, Parnin said he is excited for his current class to continue the tradition. He regularly uses past student work, including last year’s winning entries, as examples to inspire new writers.
“This year’s students have a lot to live up to, and they’re ready for the challenge,” Parnin said.