Educational publisher Zaner-Bloser is accepting entries for their 21st Annual National Handwriting Contest, a healthy, educational competition that rewards everyone, builds students' self-esteem, and generates positive public relations for schools.

This contest, which promotes legible handwriting, is free to enter and open to all students in grade one through eight. The contest now includes a new Special Needs category, the Nicholas Maxim Special Award for Excellent Penmanship.

Over $100,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. Prize packages for students, teachers, and schools include an all-expenses-paid trip to IRA’s 57th Annual Convention in Chicago, Illinois, for the eight outstanding teachers of the Grand National Grade-Level Winners. Watch this video to learn more.

Visit the Zaner-Bloser website to download contest entry forms. The deadline to enter is January 23, 2012, which is National Handwriting Day.

With a history dating back to the late 1800s, Zaner-Bloser is one of the premier publishers of research-based reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, and vocabulary programs. Their focus is on distinctive programs that inspire all students to become engaged, literate participants in the global society. Zaner-Bloser became part of Highlights for Children, publisher of the popular children's magazine, in 1972. Zaner-Bloser Handwriting has been a national institution for several generations. The company also publishes Spelling Connections, Zaner-Bloser Voices Literature & Writing, Strategies for Writers, Reaching All Readers, Read for Real, and Word Wisdom. Ever able to adapt to the changing educational landscape, the company continues to grow through the addition of technology products.

For more information, visit the Zaner-Bloser website at http://www.zaner-bloser.com/hwcontest.

Awards and Grants at the International Reading Association (IRA)

IRA Annual Convention