Grades to 4th - 6th

Choose any one of the following prompts that speaks to you. You may click on the prompts for guidance on how you may relate your own work to each one.

Curiosity is when you really want to learn or discover something new.
Think about a time when you wondered about something:

  • What made you curious?
  • Did you explore, investigate, or ask questions?
  • Did your curiosity lead to an adventure, a surprise, or a new idea?

You can write or draw a moment when curiosity opened a new door for you

Gratitude means being thankful for people, things, or moments in your life.
Think about:

  • Someone who helped you or made your day better
  • Something small that you appreciate, like your pet, a warm meal, or a sunny day
  • A moment when you felt really thankful

Show what gratitude looks or feels like to you.

Compassion means noticing when someone is struggling and caring enough to help.
Consider:

  • A time when you helped someone
  • A time when someone helped you
  • A moment when kindness changed how someone felt or what happened next

You can show compassion through a real moment or a made-up story.

Sadness is a normal emotion that everyone feels sometimes.
Think about:

  • What sadness feels like
  • What helps you feel better
  • How sadness can teach us about ourselves or others

Your work can show how people move through sad moments and grow from them.

Integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Think about:

  • A tough choice you or a character had to make
  • A moment when honesty or fairness really mattered
  • How doing the right thing can change a situation or a friendship

You can show a moment of courage, honesty, or sticking to your values.

Lies can seem small at first, but they can grow and cause problems.
Think about:

  • Why someone might lie
  • What happens next — does the lie grow? Does someone find out?
  • How the truth eventually comes out
  • How trust can be rebuilt

You can make up a story, draw a scene, or write a poem about honesty and choices.

Friends don’t need to agree on everything.
Think about:

  • A friend who thinks differently than you
  • How you talk, listen, or understand each other
  • What happens when values or opinions clash
  • How respect and communication help friendships stay strong

You can create a scene that shows teamwork, understanding, or healthy conflict.

Tips for Winning Submissions

Use these ideas to make your writing or artwork stronger, clearer, and more personal.

  • Choose a prompt that genuinely speaks to you

    Your best work will come from a topic you feel connected to. Pick the prompt that makes you think, feel, or imagine the most.

  • Don’t rush — give yourself time to reflect. Submissions aren’t due until February.

    Spend a few minutes thinking about:

    • What the prompt means
    • What memories, feelings, or ideas come to mind
    • What message you want to share

    Good creativity often starts with quiet thinking.

  • Brainstorm before you begin

    Try making a quick list, mind map, sketch, or freewrite.
    This helps you gather ideas before choosing the strongest one.

  • Be honest and real

    The judges aren’t looking for fancy words — they’re looking for your voice.
    Write or create from your own experiences, imagination, and perspective.
    Authenticity stands out.

  • Show, don’t just tell

    Whether writing or creating art:

    • Use details
    • Create images in the audience’s mind
    • Let them feel the emotion, not just hear about it

    Example: Instead of “I was sad,” try describing a moment, setting, or action that shows sadness.

  • Take creative risks

    Try something new:

    • A different structure
    • A bold color choice
    • Metaphors, symbolism, or unusual perspectives

    Creativity thrives when you’re willing to experiment.

  • Revise, refine, and polish

    Great work comes from editing, not just inspiration.
    After your first draft or sketch:

    • Step away for a bit
    • Look again with fresh eyes
    • Ask: What can be clearer, stronger, or more expressive?

  • Read your work out loud (even if it feels silly!)

    Reading out loud helps you catch:

    • Awkward phrasing
    • Repetition
    • Missing words
    • Spots where the flow doesn’t feel right

    Artists can do something similar by stepping back to view their work from a distance.

  • Make sure your work reflects the prompt

    Creators often drift off-topic without realizing it.
    Check:

    • Did I explore the theme directly?
    • Does my piece clearly connect to the prompt?

  • Trust your voice — don’t try to “sound” like someone else

    Your point of view is what makes your work special.
    Lean into your style and personality.

  • Check the basics

    Before turning it in, do a double check:

    • Review the rules
    • Are words spelled correctly?
    • Does your piece look complete and intentional?
    • Do you follow the rules (page limits, materials, etc.)?

    These small details help your work shine.

  • Be proud of the effort, not just the outcome

    Creative work is brave – write, draw, paint, sculpt, or compose in the way that feels true to you.
    Finishing something meaningful is an accomplishment all by itself.