 2012 International Winner, |
River of Words is an arts and environmental education program that:
- nurtures respect for and understanding of the natural world
- promotes literacy in all its forms
- trains teachers how to integrate the arts into core curriculum subjects
- gives youth a forum for expressing their creativity and concerns
- helps children develop a sense of belonging to a particular place
- facilitates interdisciplinary teaching methods
- distributes, publishes and displays children’s art & poetry
- publishes an Educator’s Guide and curriculum support materials
River of Words (ROW), a non-profit organization, was founded in 1995 by then-US Poet Laureate Robert Hass and writer Pamela Michael. Every year, in affiliation with The Library of Congress Center for the Book, they conduct an international poetry and art contest for children in grades K-12. See the art gallery for some winning examples.
The River of Words international poetry and art contest focuses on the theme of watersheds, which are those stretches of high land dividing the areas drained by different rivers or river systems. The contest is designed to help students explore the natural and cultural history of the place in which they live, and to express, through poetry and art, what they discover. The contest is open to any child, from 5 to 19 years of age.
The contest runs through the current academic year.
The contest is free, and every child is acknowledged with a personalized “Watershed Explorer” certificate. Children may enter on their own or through schools, nature centers, libraries, youth clubs and other organizations. Girl Scouts can earn their “Water Drop” patch by entering the contest and fulfilling other requirements.
The contest deadline is:
North American entries- December 1, 2012
International entries- February 1, 2013
Visit the River of Words website for contest details.
In Montana:
We recognize, publicize and honor those students and teachers submitting work from Montana. If your students participate in the program, please let us know so that we can help recognize the efforts of the students.