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Celebrate the return of the UK’s biggest children’s story-writing competition with a very special 500 Words ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Live Lesson!

Join 500 Words judge Sir Lenny Henry and presenter Naomi Wilkinson on a mission to collect the key ingredients of a brilliant story. From original worlds to unforgettable characters and imaginative words, by the end of the lesson you’ll have everything you need to begin your own 500 Words entry.

This year’s 500 Words competition for 5–11-year-olds is open for entries from 8am on Tuesday 23 September to Friday 7 November at 9pm. 50 finalists will be invited to a star-studded grand final in February 2026, supported by¿Her Majesty The Queen.¿Full details can be found at bbc.co.uk/500words.

The Live Lesson will inspire children to take part, writing a story they would love to read. Live from the Museum of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ in London, Lenny and Naomi will show how extraordinary tales can grow from the most ordinary of places. With children joining in from home, classrooms, and the museum itself, together we will create an amazing story in real time. Anything could happen!

Plus, awesome author Tola Okugwu shares her top tips for interrogating characters to discover what makes them tick, and Sir Lenny Henry answers your questions.

Series Synopsis:
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Live Lessons are fun, engaging, and interactive learning experiences for the classroom, bringing subjects to life with some of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s biggest brands and presenters.