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April 19:
Ole Evinrude, the inventor of the outboard motor for boats, was born in 2007. If you could travel on any kind of boat, what kind would you like to travel on? Where would you like to go, or what would you like to do?
The Alfred P. Murrah federal building was destroyed by a homemade bomb in 1994. It was set off by Timothy McVeigh, an American citizen. This was the worst terrorist act on American soil until Sept. 11, 2001. What can students and other citizens do to help prevent terrorism? How many ways can you think of?
Today is the annual running of the Boston Marathon, the world's most famous 26 mile race. If you were going to run in an important and famous race, how would you train?
Today is National Aviation Day. Orville Wright was born in Ohio in 1871. Imagine that airplanes had never been invented. What are four ways our lives would be different?
Today is Emergency Planning Day, when people are encouraged to think about what they would do in case of emergencies. What are five emergencies you think families should have a plan for?
April 20:
The National Park Service was begun in 1916. Which national parks would you like to visit? Make a list of them, and then list the things you would like to see on your visit.
In 1841, Edgar Allan Poe published his short story "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," which is considered the first detective story in history. Who is your favorite author? Tell which stories by that author you like, and why you like them.
In 1988, 57-year-old Helen Thayer became the first woman to reach the North Pole on a solo expedition. Her only companion was her husky Charlie, who warned her of polar bears. If you had to choose an animal for a long and difficult task, what animal would you choose, and why?
In 1926, a practical method of adding sound to movies was invented. Before that, all films were silent, and cards were displayed on the screen to show what people said. Think of the very old movies you may have seen, such as the Little Rascals or very old cartoons. What differences did you notice between them and more modern movies?
April 21:
The first giant panda born in captivity was born at the San Diego Zoo in 1999. Pandas eat only one thing: bamboo. If you could eat only one kind of food, what would you choose? Why do you like that food best?
In 1994, astronomer Alexander Wolszczan announced that he had detected three planets orbiting a star in the constellation Virgo. They were the first planets outside the solar system to be discovered. If you were asked to write a short message to be sent to a planet around another star, what would you say?
Today is the city of Rome's 2757th birthday. Prepare a birthday card for this ancient, historical, and beautiful city.
Today is Queen Elizabeth’s real birthday. She was born in 1926. She has an official birthday in June, which is a national holiday in Britain, and she rides in a big parade on that day. Today, she and her family celebrate privately. How would you like to have both a private and a public birthday? What would you do on each day?
April 22:
In 1902, Theodore Roosevelt became the first President to drive a car. Most Presidents do not drive themselves today for safety reasons. What are some other restrictions Presidents may endure for safety?
Henry L. Stimson, American leader during World War II, once said, "The only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him.” What do you think he meant by that?
In 1500, Pedro Alverez de Cabral claimed Brazil for Portugal. Imagine that you are taking a voyage on the Amazon River in Brazil. What are some of the things you might do or see?
In 1969, Robin Know-Johnston completed the first non-stop sailing voyage around the world in his boat the Dove. It took him 312 days. Suppose you were going to have to spend almost a year alone in a boat. What would you take with you for amusement and fun?
April 23:
Today is the beginning of week-long fairs in many English towns. Most American communities have their fairs in the fall, but the English tradition is to have them in the spring. Which season is better for a fair? Defend your answer.
Happy birthday, William Shakespeare! He was born in 1564. Considered the greatest English writer of all times, his plays have been translated into more than 100 languages and are performed all over the world. Shakespeare is known for both his interesting plots and his fascinating characters. When you see a play, TV show, or movie, which is most interesting to you: the plot (action of the story) or the people in it? What are some stories or characters that really interest you?
(Based on the prompt above.) He was actually baptized on the 26th, which is what people celebrated in his time. He wrote Romeo and Juliet and many other plays. It is remarkable that people still enjoy his plays, although the English language has changed a great deal since his time. What programs on TV today do you think will still be enjoyed many years from now? Why those programs?
Marie Taglioni, the first ballet dancer to dance on her toes, was born in 1804. She was also the first ballet dancer to wear a tutu. Some people love ballet, but others don’t. How do you feel about it? Tell why you feel the way you do.
Shirley Temple, the first world‑famous child movie star, was born on 1928. Imagine that you were a famous movie or television star. What are 3 ways your life would be different from the way it is now?
April 24:
Actress Shirley MacLaine was born in 1934. She said, "Dwelling on the negative simply contributes to its power.” What do you think she meant by that?
In 1800, President John Adams approved legislation to establish the Library of Congress, which is now the largest library in the world, and has books on every subject. Most libraries cannot afford to get books on every subject. The librarians must try to figure out which books will be most useful or popular for the library users. What are two kinds of non-fiction books you like? What are two kinds of fiction books you like? Beside your choices, tell about some book of that kind you have particularly enjoyed.
The world’s biggest library, the Library of Congress, was started in 1800 in Washington, DC. What is your favorite part of the library? What kind of books are your favorites?
Amerigo Vespucci was born in 1505. He was the first explorer to realize that the America was a new world, not a part of Asia. America was named for him. Some people think North and South America should be renamed for Columbus instead. Do you agree? Why or why not?
April 25:
Summer is a time for outdoor activities. List 5 things you like to do best outdoors in the summer.
Today is National Arbor Day, which is set aside to plant trees. Why do you think that the United States (and several other countries) have set aside special days to plant trees? Why are trees important?
Heavyweight world champion boxer Rocky Marciano retired undefeated in 1956, the only world boxing champion to ever do so. Boxing is one of the oldest of the martial arts. Do you like watching or participating in one of the martial arts? Tell why you feel as you do.
Today is the birthday of the Hubble Space Telescope, which was launched in 1990. If you go to http://hubble.nasa.gov/ you can learn about this fascinating telescope and the wonderful pictures it has taken. What space objects would you like the Hubble telescope to take a picture of? Why those things?
Today in ancient Rome, the people celebrated a feast in honor of Robigus, god of mildew. Why do you think they would do that?
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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.