Think essay competitions are just for the overachievers? Think again! With a little creativity, these contests can become one of your most powerful teaching tools — boosting writing skills, building confidence, and making your classroom come alive with ideas.
Let’s explore how you can transform a simple writing competition into curriculum magic.
Aligning with ELA/IB Standards (Without the Eye Rolls)
Teaching writing doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth. Essay contests come with ready-made prompts that are ideal for aligning with ELA and IB standards — from thesis statements and structure to persuasive language and research.
Students aren’t just writing for grades — they’re writing to win, and that changes everything. Suddenly, they care about clarity, coherence, and compelling arguments. Bonus? They’re mastering academic standards along the way.
Group Workshops That Spark Creativity
Bring your classroom to life with collaborative writing workshops! These sessions don’t just teach writing — they create a buzz of creativity and teamwork.
Topic Brainstorming Sessions
Host a lightning round of idea generation. From personal experiences to global issues, let your students explore themes that matter to them. The best essays often start with a spark of passion.
Peer Review Swaps
Turn your students into editors! Swapping essays and giving feedback helps them become better writers — and better readers. Use rubrics to guide the process, and watch their confidence grow as they learn from each other.
Real Results: A School’s Writing Makeover
Need proof this works? One school integrated writing competitions into their curriculum — and saw a 70% jump in student writing scores. How? They made writing purposeful, added structure, and let students take the lead.
When students know their words could be published, recognized, or even awarded, they bring their A-game. And that’s when the real learning begins.
Essay contests aren’t just a “bonus activity” — they can be the secret ingredient to a vibrant, skill-building, high-energy classroom. So why not turn your next writing unit into a contest with purpose?
Let your students shine — not just in the classroom, but on a bigger stage.