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Looking for a way to inspire your kids to do a little more writing? Perhaps these contests will do the trick:

Olive Garden's Pasta Tales Contest

This contest will give writers in grades 1 through 12 in the U.S. and Canada the opportunity to tell about teachers that have inspired them.

Prize:  The contest grand prize is a three-day trip to New York City including dinner at the Olive Garden in Times Square and a $2,500 savings bond.  Winners also will be chosen in each grade category and will receive a $500 savings bond and a family dinner at their local Olive Garden restaurant.

Deadline: December 11, 2009

 Take the Dare: Dare to be You Essay Contest

This competition is open to all students grades 3-7  (including homeschoolers) in the United States and Canada. 

Prize: cash awards

Deadline: March 31, 2010 

So if your kids complain about being bored over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, tell them to get writing for a chance to win some cool prizes.