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April 5:
African-American educator and leader Booker T. Washington was born in 1856. He once said, "If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” What do you think he meant by that?
In 1753, the British parliament voted money to open a public museum, the first one since ancient times. Some people love museums, but others think they are a waste of the taxpayer's money. What do you think of spending tax money to run museums? Defend your opinion.
In 1969, the annual boat races between Oxford and Cambridge Universities in England were held on the Thames River. It was the first time in many years that the river had been clean enough for the race to be held there. Pollution is a problem affecting many places in the world. What can you do personally to reduce pollution?
Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon, was born in 1930. Some people would like to start a settlement on the moon; others say it would cost too much. How do you feel about it? What reasons can you give for your opinion?
Today is Chin Ming (Clean and Bright) day in China. Chinese families visit the graveyards of their ancestors, clean up the graveyards, and wash the gravestones. As they do so, the older people remind the younger ones of the things their ancestors accomplished. What are some of the things you would like to know about the life of your ancestors?
April 6:
In 1784, archeologist began excavating the city of Pompeii in Italy, which had been buried during a volcanic eruption seventeen centuries before. Suppose you were an archeologist centuries from now and were digging up your school. Make a list of objects you think might have lasted, and another list of things you don't think will last.
In 1869, celluloid, the first kind of plastic, was invented by John W. Hyatt. Today, its main use is to make dice and buttons. Think of all the things that are made of plastic today. If it were necessary to replace all plastic with natural material, such as wood or metal, which plastic things would be the hardest to replace? Why?
Mahatma Gandhi, India's leader in its struggle for independence, said, "Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” What do you think he meant by that?
Cy Young, one of the most famous baseball pitchers of all time, pitched his first game in 1890. The award for the best pitcher in the American League each year is known as the Cy Young award. If there were to be an award named for you, what would you like it to be for?
April 7:
Walter Winchell, one of the first popular gossip columnists was born in 1897. He said, "I usually get my stuff from people who promised somebody else that they would keep it a secret.” How would you react if a friend of yours spread your secrets around?
Today is World Health Day. Many health problems could be prevented if people took better care of themselves. Make a poster or script for an ad that encourages people to follow an important health rule.
Ralph J. Bunche was born in 1904. He was a distinguished diplomat who worked tirelessly to promote peace for the United Nations. He was the first African-American to win the Nobel Peace Prize. What is something you could do to help create peace in your neighborhood and school?
Today is National Nap Day, dedicated to encouraging people to take naps when they have a chance. Where is the strangest place you have ever taken a nap, or seen someone else take a nap?
April 8:
In 1838, the Great Western, the first ship able to carry cargo and passengers across the Atlantic entirely by steam power began her maiden voyage. If you could sail anywhere on a ship, where would you go? Who would you take with you? Give reasons for your choices.
Margarine was invented in 1873. Margarine is used as a substitute for butter by dieters because it contains less fat and no cholesterol. Some people prefer its taste to butter, but others can't stand it. What food do you like that other people dislike? Write an appetizing description of it.
The Watermelon Festival is celebrated each year in Rush Springs, Oklahoma. Design a float for the Watermelon Festival. Write a description or draw a picture of your float.
Ponce de Leon claimed Florida for Spain 1513. He landed there looking for the Fountain of Youth, and left disappointed when he didn’t find it. Have you ever found something while looking for something else? What did you do about it?
April is named for the goddess Aphrodite. Some people think that the months should be given more modern names, since no one today knows or cares very much about ancient Greek gods. What month would you like to rename? What would you name it instead of the name it has now?
April 9:
In 1105, England's King Henry I was scolded in church for his long hair. He replied that he used his long hair to cushion his helmet when wearing armor, but permitted it to be trimmed. Why do you suppose people get so upset about other people's hair?
In 1859, Samuel Clemens got his license as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River. This was a difficult, highly-skilled job at that time, with the kind of prestige a passenger jet pilot has today. After Samuel Clemens began to write under the name Mark Twain, he often used his experience as a riverboat pilot in his stories. What kind of skills do the jobs you are interested in require? List 3 jobs you think you might like to have, and then list 3 skills each job requires.
The first American astronauts were chosen in 1959. If you were asked to fill out an application to be an astronaut, what would you say?
In 1585, the Roanoke colonists sailed from England to establish what later became the Lost Colony. What do you think happened to the Lost Colonists?
April 10:
In 1633, Thomas Johnson of London sells the first bananas ever sold in the city. The people had to be shown how to peel them, and when they were ripe or rotten. Imagine a new kind of fruit: what would it look like? What would it taste like? Would it have a peel, or seeds, or some other inedible part? Describe your fruit in detail.
In 1849, Walter Hunt patented the safety pin, a really useful thing to have in an emergency. If you were preparing a small emergency kit to carry on a trip, what are five things you would put in it? Why those things?
Joseph Pulitzer, the founder of the Pulitzer Prizes for American Literature and Journalism, was born in 1847. What book that you have read recently would you like to give a prize to? Design a medal for your prize.
April 11:
In 1944, German-born actress Marlene Dietrich, who had become an American citizen in 1939, began giving shows to American troops and campaigning to sell US war bonds during World War II. She won the Medal of Freedom for her work against Hitler and the Nazis. How can young people today work against prejudice and hatred?
In 1913, Ettore Bugatti begins building the huge, expensive, handmade cars that bear his name. His cars are considered some of the most beautiful ever made, but were so expensive very few were sold. People often buy very expensive objects, even though other, less expensive versions can do the job just as well. Why do you think they do that? (Teachers: the Bugatti brand has been revived, and a new model is now available for $1,200,000. Only 600 will be made. They are being made by the same company that makes the Volkswagen--an excellent example of the situation this prompt addresses.)
Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer, was born in 1950. What is your favorite computer program? Why do you like it?
The Apollo 13 Moon Mission was launched in 1970. On the way, an explosion damaged the spacecraft, and the astronauts had to return to the earth after a dangerous and difficult journey, without ever landing on the moon. How would you feel if you had been on that trip, and had never gotten to go to the moon, after all your training and work?
(Related to above prompt) Have you ever set a goal that you have not reached? Tell about your goal and why you could not reach it.
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James Wayne has taught third grade and every grade from fifth to twelfth during a full-time career of 34 years, either in regular classrooms or in AG or AP classes. He began his writing prompts as a way to help teachers improve writing scores in his district. A native of North Carolina, James is a graduate of Duke University and a Vietnam Veteran, having served with the 101st Airborne Division. He continues to work part time for Onslow County Schools as a coordinator of the Academic Derby, a televised scholastic competition serving elementary, middle, and high schools. James resides in Jacksonville, North Carolina.