What is Power of the Pen?
Power of the Pen is an interscholastic writing tournament throughout the state of Ohio. The purpose is to provide seventh and eighth grade students the opportunity to improve writing and thinking skills based on quality tools and programming. Students learn creative writing skills and how to write well in a timed competition. Teachers benefit from having a statewide educational network available for sharing of materials and ideas.
How are Students Prepared?
Students meet weekly and participate in a variety of creative writing exercises where all teammates work individually and in small groups. The teachers and other team members provide one-on-one feedback on the writing. Students gain invaluable experience in writing for a specific purpose and audience. Also, working with students from all over the state allows the students to gain a new network of friends with common interests.
What Happens at Competition?
Students will write on impromptu prompts for three rounds of timed sessions of 40 minutes each. The students compete at the district, regional, and state level. The writers will compete with other students from all over the state of Ohio. The students with the most creative and meaningful pieces are awarded trophies and ribbons.