Enter the National Turnoff Week Contest

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Debra Lau Whelan -- School Library Journal, 11/20/2007 2:05:00 PM

Imagine if there were no TVs, computers, or video games in your students’ lives! That’s exactly what national Turnoff Week is all about—and a new contest is asking kids to come up with imaginative ways to spend their time during those days.

“Show Your Shiny Side!” wants students to write about—or even draw—their most creative ideas for doing fun things during the week of April 21–27, 2008, when they’re being asked to turn off all of their favorite electronic and digital gadgets.

Librarians and teachers are invited to encourage their students to submit fun and educational ideas about “what makes you shine.” Kids can include an activity, person, adventure—or even something imaginary.

The grand-prize winner will receive a school visit by Julie Goulis or John Ferguson, the author and illustrator of Something Shiny, Something Round (Bubblegum, 2005), a picture book that encourages readers to use their imaginations to keep themselves entertained. Other prizes will include books, T-shirts, stickers, and other awards for excellence.  

Winners will be announced in April during Turnoff Week, which is sponsored by the Center for Screen-Time Awareness, a nonprofit organization that encourages children and adults to watch much less television to promote healthier lives and communities. Winning teachers will also win a gift certificate to a local store or restaurant.