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REED

is an online magazine made for teachers, curious young artists and creative kids!

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Why the name REED? 
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The name REED comes from a simple plant that grows near water — but it’s more powerful than it looks!

​It is a plant that:

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  • bends and does not break — just like people who stay calm and flexible.

  • represents growth and transformation in some cultures.

  • is found in magical places in ancient stories.

  • symbolizes wisdom, change, and new beginnings.

  • is useful too — in building, crafting, and it's even used as fuel.

  • is a powerful symbol of creativity, resilience, and the many ways nature supports us.

  • is used to make musical instruments, and when the wind blows through them, they sing — just like the stories and voices we share in this magazine!

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Gradient Pastel Sky

About: 

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What Is REED?​

 

We talk about big ideas like:

  • Climate change and how we can help our planet

  • Innovation (new and smart ways to solve problems)

  • The arts — like drawing, writing, music, and more

 

This is a place where your voice matters.

We share stories from teachers and art from kids, artists, scientists, inventors and everyday people making the world better.

 

We believe that imagination and stories can help change the future!

 

 

Who can Submit? 

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Teacher, Parents and Guardians:  On behalf of students under18 years of age.

Teachers can submit their bright ideas too - lesson plans and articles about the fun ways they implement poetry into their classrooms and creative spaces. 

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What You Can Share With Us​

We love getting:

  • Stories and articles written by teachers ( creative lesson plans and teaching tools that can help us learn from one another)

  • Poems

  • Drawings, paintings, and artful photos - that include Poetry, Nature and Wildlife. 

  • Videos or Music - Do you enjoy making short films, animation or composing your own songs about nature? Share them with us!

  • Creative projects about the planet, the future, and big ideas!

     

We’re especially excited to hear from all kinds of voices, including kids who don’t always get to share their stories.

 

How to Send Your Work

We accept submissions all the time! Here’s what you can send:

 

1. Stories & Articles

  • Write between 800 and 1,000 words

  • Tell us about something you learned, saw, or feel passionate about

  • We especially love work that connects to the environment, nature, wildlife, creativity, or future ideas

  • Comic Books / Comic Strips 

 

2. Poetry - any subject

  • You can send up to 2 poems - 400 words max. 

  • Any style or shape — just be creative!

  • Poems about nature, emotions, the Earth, or your dreams for the future are all welcome

     

3. Art & Multimedia - About Nature, The Ocean, Wildlife 

  • Send high-quality pictures of your art or a link to your video/music

  • Include a short note (100–300 words) about what your piece is about

  • Tell us the title, what you used to make it (paint, clay, digital, etc.), and how big it is

     

4. Fiction - any subject

  • Short stories or chapters up to 900 words

  • Love sci-fi or fantasy? Write about future worlds, outdoor adventures, or creative heroes

 

5. Interviews & Profiles - 

  • About 1,000 words

  • Tell us about someone awesome — a climate hero, an artist, a scientist, or someone in your community making a difference

 

How to Submit

  • Teachers, Parents and Guardians can email your work to: JCPOFEST@gmail.com

  • Include:

    • Your name and age

    • A short bio (just tell us a little about you!)

    • Your pronouns (if you'd like)

       

  • We’ll reply in 2 - 4 weeks

 

Original Work Guidelines

We want to hear your voice — your thoughts, your ideas, your art.

That means everything you send us should be your own original work.

Here's what that means:

 

What’s Okay:

  • Your own stories, poems, art, or videos

  • Things you created at school or at home

  • Inspired by something you saw or read — but made in your own way

  • Collaborations with friends or classmates (just make sure everyone is listed!)

     

What’s Not Okay:

  • Copying from books, websites, or other people’s work

  • Using artwork, photos, or music you didn’t make yourself (unless you have permission)

  • Submitting AI-generated work (we want to hear from you, not a robot!)

  • Inappropriate Language or meanness is NOT ok

 

Be Honest, Be Creative

We love all kinds of voices — so don’t worry about being “perfect.” Just be yourself, share what’s in your heart, and have fun creating something only you can make.

 

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Stay in Touch

  • Follow us on social media - IG @JCPOFEST

  • Join our newsletter to hear about new themes, contests, and published work!

     

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© 2024 JCPOFEST

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