2007–2008 PTA Reflections Program
LITERATURE RULES

Theme: I can make a difference by…

 Students must adhere to the general rules as well as the following Literature Rules.

Description

Literature entries may be works of fiction or nonfiction. Prose, poetry, and drama are all accepted.

 Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme. A well-developed concept is more important than technique.

Originality

Each entry must be the original work of one student only. An adult may not alter the creative integrity of a student’s work. Because the program is designed to encourage and recognize each student’s individual creativity, help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Literature entrants are not to borrow from copyrighted material.

Plagiarism is defined as taking and using another person’s ideas, writings, or inventions as one’s own. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified and returned to the students.

Entry Form

All participants are required to fill out in its entirety and sign the Official Entry Form. Students who have not completely filled out the form will not be eligible to participate in the program. In situations where the child cannot fill out the entry form or write legibly, a parent may sign his or her child’s name.

Students have the option of placing the titles of their works on the Official Entry Form.

Return of Artwork

The national PTA office does not return literature entries.

Judging

All national entries are judged on artistic merit, creativity, and interpretation of the theme.

Presentation
  • Entries must not exceed 2,000 words.
  • One original and one copy are to be submitted.
  • Entries may be handwritten or typed, either on a typewriter or with a computer.
  • Number all pages.
  • Illustrated entries, including “books,” with pictures drawn by the student are acceptable; however, only literary content is judged.
  • Entries are to reflect grade-appropriate grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
  • Format:
    • Submit entries on any kind of paper, not to exceed 8½ inches by 11 inches in size.
    • Submit the original and one copy in a manila file folder with the Official Entry Form stapled to the back of the folder.
    • Do not mount entries.
    • Write the student’s name on the back of each page in case pages become separated.
  • Collections of poems or short stories are not acceptable. 
A student may submit more than one work, but each one must be submitted separately.

Assistance

Dictation and typing
  • Students may have their entries typed by another person as long as the original work or a copy of the original work is attached.
  • Students who are physically challenged or students in kindergarten or 1st grade may dictate to another person who may type or write down the original work.
  • Transcribers should make every attempt to retain the same level of language and accuracy that is reflected in the student’s original work.
Translation
  • Students for whom English is not their first language may submit literature entries in their own languages. An interpretive translation must accompany the entry.
  • Translators should make every attempt to retain the same level of language and accuracy that is reflected in the student’s original work.

Optional Artist Statement

On the Official Entry Form, describe what inspired you to create this work.