In 2007, over 18,000 kids and teens in 366 classrooms worldwide took part in National Novel Writing Month's Young Writers Program. Aimed at authors 12-and-under, and those taking part in the adventure as part of an entire K-12 classroom, the Young Writers Program allows participants to choose their own word-count goal for the month.
The YWP site is separate from the NaNoWriMo main site, and is a fun, high-velocity environment geared towards students and teachers, with curricula, games, and exercises for elementary, middle, and high school students.
Teachers interested in having their classroom participate should read through the information below and visit the Young Writers Program website. If it sounds like a good fit for your classroom, signup, and we'll send you a Classroom Starter Kit with lots of goodies and incentives to get your students writing. This year, we're debuting a classroom-friendly message board with students and younger writers in mind and a few lesson plans for high-speed novel writing.
If you're a librarian interested in hosting NaNoWriMo events in your library during November, the first step is to get in touch with your local Municipal Liaison. These volunteer chapter heads will be able to help get the word out about write-ins and other events at your library. You can see a list of our Municipal Liaisons on our Contact page. If your area doesn't have a Municipal Liaison, you can help spread the word about events in your library by downloading our window fliers. We would also be happy to send you a poster if you'd like one. If you're interested in workshop ideas or writing exercises for library patrons, send us an email.
If you're a student, and would like to get your whole classroom involved, have your teacher contact us!
Suggestion Box: Do you have a great idea for how to teach NaNoWriMo? Send us an e-mail!