Judging in the BBC 500 words competition
What stories do you enjoy reading?
The judging has started for the BBC 500 words children’s story writing competition. I am really excited to be a judge for the second year.
Last year, I had the pleasure of reading stories from children, judging them against specific criteria. I was very aware of the children as I was making my decisions about each story.
In my mind I saw each child waiting to find out what I thought of their story. It mattered to me that I was as fair and consistent as I could be.
At first, I was uncertain how to assess the stories. I decided to go on my first impressions of each story, noting my marks as I went along. Then I went back and checked I was happy with my decisions. All the time I saw faces of eager children in my mind.
After much deliberation I submitted my marks. I had loved the experience and wanted to do it again.
There was an opportunity to assess more stories which I eagerly took up. It was wonderful to explore the imaginations of more children.
I am looking forward to being transported to new and wonderful worlds.
In my interactive story creating book, ‘I Can Create Stories’, children, aged between 8 – 12 years old, can read, draw, create and listen to stories. I love seeing the change, in confidence, a story can make to a child. Please contact me if you’d like to know more about my book or a signed copy.