1. Create your entry – On the theme My Biggest Dream, your child writes a story by hand on paper, makes a painting or drawing, or both.
2. Take a photo or scan – Photograph the handwritten page or the artwork (good light, the whole page visible).
3. Send it in – Choose the category (Stories or Art) and fill in the form below: first name, age, town and (optional) a photo of your child. As a parent or guardian, give permission for publication.
4. Receive your certificate – Every child instantly receives a digital certificate. The entry appears on our gallery page and competes for the prizes.

To keep it fair, children take part in three age groups. Each age group has its own winners in both categories.

In each category and each age group, the jury chooses three winners:

Public Choice Award – Everyone can also vote for their favourite entry. The story and the artwork with the most votes in each age group win the Public Choice Award.

Every child wins something – Every participant receives a digital certificate and a discount voucher from Chalk & Duster Learning Centre.

A jury of three people looks at every entry: a teacher, an author or artist, and someone from Chalk & Duster Learning Centre.

We do not judge spelling, neat handwriting or perfect drawing skills. We look at:

• Imagination – How original and surprising is the story or artwork?
• Heart – Does it touch us?
• Own voice – Does it really feel like the child’s own work?
• Theme – Does it fit “My Biggest Dream”?

Children on the shortlist will be asked to send a short video of themselves reading their story aloud or telling about their artwork. The jury’s decision is final.

The contest runs twice a year. Each round lasts six months.

1. Organiser – The contest is organised by Chalk & Duster Learning Centre, based in Kudelstaart (Aalsmeer), the Netherlands.
2. Who can enter – Children aged 4 to 12 living in the Netherlands. Entries must always be submitted by a parent or legal guardian.
3. Free entry – Taking part is completely free. No purchase is needed to enter or to win.
4. One entry per category – Each child may submit one story and/or one artwork per round.
5. Own work – The story must be made up and handwritten by the child (except in the 4–6 age group, where a parent may write down what the child tells). Artwork must be made by the child alone. Entries must not have been published before.
6. Content – Stories and artwork must be suitable for children. We may refuse entries that are not appropriate.
7. Judging – Winners are chosen by an expert jury based on imagination, heart, own voice and theme. Chance plays no role. The Public Choice Award is decided by the number of valid votes.
8. Voting – One vote per email address per age group, confirmed by email. Votes may be declared invalid if fraud is suspected. Votes cannot be bought.
9. Prizes – Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash. Winners are informed personally by email.
10. Copyright – The story or artwork remains the property of the child. The parent gives Chalk & Duster Learning Centre permission to publish the story or artwork (and photo, if provided) on the website, in the contest book and on social media, always with the child’s name.
11. Changes – Chalk & Duster Learning Centre may change these rules or stop the contest if necessary. Changes will be announced on this page.
12. Questions or complaints – Contact us at edu.chalkduster@gmail.com.

Children’s privacy comes first. We follow the GDPR (AVG in the Netherlands).

• We only ask for what we need: first name, age, town, the story or artwork, and the parent’s email address.
• A photo of your child is always optional. Without a photo, we show a cheerful illustration.
• On the website we only show the first name, age and town. Never a surname, address or school.
• You can withdraw your consent at any time. Email us at edu.chalkduster@gmail.com and we will remove the entry and photo.

Does it cost money to enter?
No, entry is completely free.

Can my child write in another language?
Yes! Write in English, Dutch or your home language. For other languages, please add a short translation so the jury can read it.

Does spelling count?
No. We look at imagination and heart, not spelling mistakes.

Can I help as a parent?
You can encourage your child and ask questions, but the story must be your child’s own. Only in the 4–6 age group may you write down what your child tells.

Do I have to send a photo of my child?
No, that is optional.

What if my child doesn’t win?
Every child receives a certificate and a place on our gallery page. Every entry counts.

Can I have my child’s story printed as a book?
Yes! After entering, you can order a booklet or hardcover with the handwritten story, the typed text and your child’s photo. A lovely gift for grandparents.

Can my child enter both categories?
Yes! Your child can send one story and one artwork in the same round, and can win in both.

What kind of art is allowed?
Paintings and drawings on paper, up to A3: pencil, crayons, watercolour, markers or collage. Please photograph it flat and in good light.

Can I order a print of my child’s artwork?
Yes! You can order a poster, canvas or postcard set of the artwork, with your child’s name on it.

Can my school take part?
Absolutely. We have a special package for classes. Email us at edu.chalkduster@gmail.com.