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April 12:
In 1961, Soviet Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human being to orbit the earth in a spacecraft. Gagarin, a test pilot who refused to give up flying despite his fame, was killed testing a new plane in 1968. List 5 qualities you think a good astronaut would need to have. Which of them is the most important?
In 1979, Kevin MacKenzie sent the first emoticon or smiley, over the internet. Smileys use punctuation marks and keyboard symbols to show the writer's feelings. Make up a list of all the kinds of smileys you know. :-) "I'm happy," or :-( "I'm sad.” or :-| "I'm neutral" are examples. Tell what they mean.
In 1776, the North Carolina assembly, meeting at Halifax, instructed its delegates to the Continental Congress to vote for independence from Great Britain. N.C. was the first colony to do this, and it was very dangerous, since the delegates at Halifax had no way of knowing that any other colony would go along with them. Imagine that you were a delegate at the Halifax assembly and were voting on this resolution, which might result in your being hanged by the British as a traitor. How do you think you would feel? What reasons might you have for voting for the resolution?
The first police force was started in 1658 in New York, then known as New Amsterdam. What would you like to know about the job of a policeman? Make a list of questions.
The Civil War began today in 1861 when South Carolina militiamen began firing on Ft. Sumter in Charleston harbor. What do you think would have been the most difficult thing to endure about living in a place where a war was being fought all around you?
April 13:
In past times, bowing was a way to show respect to others. What are some of the ways we show respect for others today?
Tiger Woods won his first major golf tournament in 1997. Thereafter, he went on to win all of golf's four major tournaments, the first person to do so in modern times. If you could interview Tiger Woods, what are three questions you would ask him?
Harold Stassen was born in 1907. He was governor of Minnesota, and ran for the Republican nomination for President 9 times. He was never nominated. Why do you think he would do it, when it was clear that he could not win?
American writer Eudora Welty was born in 1909. She lived almost all of her life in Jackson, Mississippi, where she was born and died. She once said, "A sheltered life can be a daring life as well. For all serious daring starts from within.” What do you think she meant by that? Do you agree?
April 14:
In 1932, the Graf Zeppelin, a huge balloon, became the first airship to fly completely around the world. Imagine you were living back then and were traveling on the airship. Describe some of the things you might see that you might not see today.
Today is Pan American Day, to celebrate all the people who live in North and South America. If you could visit any other country in either North or South America, which one would you choose? What would you want to see when you got there?
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was born in 1977. If you could act in a movie or TV show, which one would you choose? Why that one?
In 1828, Noah Webster published the first edition of his dictionary of the American language. Every year or so, dictionary makers (lexicographers) must decide which slang words have lasted long enough to be put into dictionaries. What are some slang words or expressions you think might make it into the dictionary?
April 15:
The Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in 1912, the worst ocean liner sinking up to that time. Modern ocean liners are much safer, and carry plenty of lifeboats. Many people enjoy cruises on ocean liners. If you could take a cruise, where would you like to go?
(Based on the prompt above) In 1912, Mrs. Margaret Brown, wife of a wealthy gold miner, found herself on a lifeboat with 50 other people after the Titanic sank. When the people on the boat began to panic and almost caused it to turn over, she took a pistol out of her handbag, took over the boat, put everyone to work rowing to stay warm in the freezing cold, wrapped her fur coat around some young children, led songs and prayers, told funny stories, and kept everyone calm until rescue came. She was later given a gold medal for her heroism, and was nicknamed the Unsinkable Molly Brown. If you were in a dangerous and difficult situation, who do you know that you think would be a good leader to follow? Why that person?
This is National Hostility Day, when people who are feeling hostile about paying their income tax are encouraged to express their anger in non-hurtful ways. Make a list of all the ways you can think of to express anger that do not hurt people, or hurt their feelings.
Income taxes are due today. The income tax is the main way our government raises money to pay for things the government provides. What are some things you think the government should spend more money on? What should they spend less money on? Make a two‑column list.
April 16:
In 1966, the ancient Egyptian temple at Abu Simbel was taken apart and moved to a new location to save it from being flooded by a dam. Many historic structures have been moved from their original location. Some people think this is a good thing, others disagree. What reasons to move an historical building do you think are good enough? List them.
In 1503, Columbus gave up trying to find China while on his fourth voyage to the New World, although he remained convinced that the land he had found was part of Asia. He made a mistake in thinking he had found a quick route to Asia, but something good came from it. Have you, or someone you know, ever made a mistake that turned out to be a good thing? Tell what mistake you made, and how it turned out to be good.
Wilbur Wright was born in 1867. He and his brother Orville flew the first successful airplane in 1903, one hundred years ago. If you could interview Wilbur Wright, what are some questions you would ask him?
In 1789, George Washington left Mount Vernon to be inaugurated as the first President of the United States. Martha Washington came later, after he had found them a place to live in New York City, which was the capital at that time. Suppose you were asked to start a new country. Make a list of the most serious problems you think you would have.
April 17:
J.P. Morgan was born in 1837. He was a banker and investor, and for many years the richest man in the world. He gave lots of money to various museums, especially those in New York City, including museums of art, of science, and of history. What kind of museum do you like to visit? What exhibits do you most enjoy?
April is National Poetry Month. What is your favorite poem? Tell why you like it.
April is National Humor Month. What is the funniest joke you have heard recently? (You can list several if you have time.) Share your jokes with your friends.
In 1707, the colonies of East Jersey and West Jersey were combined to form New Jersey. Should North Carolina and South Carolina be combined to form one larger state? Give reasons for your opinion.
April 18:
Virginia Dare was born on Roanoke Island, NC, in 1587. She disappeared with the rest of the Lost Colony. What do you think happened to her? Write a story about her later life.
In 1858, it began raining in Chicago, IL. It continued to rain for 60 consecutive days. Several people reportedly went crazy from fear that the entire world would be flooded. If you had to stay in the house for 60 days because of bad weather, what are 5 problems you might have?
Tonight is the anniversary of Paul Revere’s ride in 1775. He was captured by the British before he could finish his ride, but his friend William Dawes was not, and successfully spread the alarm. Because there are more words that rhyme with Revere than with Dawes, Longfellow wrote his famous poem about Revere. How do you think William Dawes felt when Paul became famous for the ride, but he did not?
Today is the annual Clam Gulping Championship in Port Townsend, WA. If you were going to compete in a food‑eating contest, what food would you prefer? List reasons your food is best.
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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.