The Guardian has announced the reopening of its Young Country Diary series, inviting children aged 8 to 14 to submit articles about their recent experiences with nature. This initiative encourages young writers to explore and articulate their encounters, whether they involve a winter flower, a creature in a pond, or an interesting insect.
Submissions for this winter edition must be sent by noon on February 2, 2024. From all entries received, four will be selected for publication—two in January and two in February. Those who submit before January 16 may also have the chance to be featured in the earlier issue.
How to Participate in the Young Country Diary Series
To participate, parents or guardians must provide consent for their child to submit. The process involves three straightforward steps:
1. **Explore Nature**: Encourage the child to visit a natural setting, which could be a local park, garden, beach, or farm.
2. **Write an Article**: The article should be between 200 and 250 words, detailing their observations and experiences.
3. **Submit the Entry**: Parents or guardians are required to fill out the submission form.
While photographs or drawings are not mandatory, they are welcomed. If available, parents can mention these in the submission form’s “more information” section.
Tips for Aspiring Young Writers
For children unsure of what to write about, here are some helpful suggestions:
– Begin with sensory experiences. What did they see, hear, smell, or touch?
– Take notes during the outing to capture details.
– Describe the encounter vividly. Did it evoke any memories or feelings?
– Research interesting facts about what they observed, such as the lifespan of a butterfly or the characteristics of a beetle.
Recent contributions to the Young Country Diary include works by young writers like Mia, who wrote about discovering a unique fungus, Sachin, who spotted a rare bird, and Flynn, who closely observed a beetle.
Paul Fleckney, the editor of Young Country Diary, encourages creativity and exploration among young writers. Parents can expect to be contacted if their child’s work is selected for publication, and they will receive payment on behalf of the child.
The submission process is secure, with encrypted forms ensuring that only The Guardian has access to the contributions. Interested families can access the submission form online.
This initiative not only nurtures writing skills but also fosters a deeper appreciation for nature among young participants. The deadline for this winter round is set for 10:00 PM on Sunday, February 2, 2024.
