Secondary – April 12

On this date in 1981, the first US space shuttle flight was launched. The flight of Columbia came 20 years to the day after the USSR launched the first cosmonaut into space. Explain your opinion about whether exploring space with humans is important enough to take the risks and spend the money.

Primary – April 12

Beverly Cleary was born on this date in 1916. Write a story about someone you love very much who sometimes drives you crazy.

Secondary – April 11

Describe the kind of person you would like to call your best friend for the rest of your life. Then describe how you are different from that person.

Primary – April 11

Describe the last time you did something for the first time.

Secondary – April 10

The Great Gatsby was published on this date in 1925. The story paid close attention to the characters’ visions of “the American dream.” Describe what the concept of the American dream means to you today.

Primary – April 10

Anne Lamott, who was born on this date in 1954, tells the story of someone having to complete a huge project about birdwatching. The advice he received was to complete the project “bird by bird.” Describe how you go about completing a big project.

Secondary – April 9

The US Civil War ended on this date in 1865 when Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. Describe your opinions about an issue you consider so important that you would go to war against your own family if they were on the other side of that issue.

Primary – April 9

Write about a time when you acted out something you read in a book or saw on TV or in a movie.