Secondary – December 19

Benjamin Franklin began publishing Poor Richard’s Almanack on this date in 1732. One of his famous sayings was, “Do me the favor to deny me at once.” What do you think he meant when he wrote that?

Secondary – December 18

On this date in 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution abolished slavery in the United States. Describe what it would feel like to be owned by another person.

Secondary – December 17

Ford Madox Ford was born on this date in 1873. His masterpiece The Good Soldier opens: “This is the saddest story I have ever heard.” Write the saddest story you’ve every heard.

Secondary – December 16

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” -Jorge Agustín Nicolás Ruiz de Santayana y Borrás, known as George Santayana, born on this date in 1863. Describe the best method you’ve discovered for remembering the past.

Secondary – December 15

Betty Smith, author of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, was born on this date in 1904. The women in the story’s family are described as “made out of thin invisible steel.” Write five similarly evocative metaphors that describe your family.

Secondary – December 14

Michel de Nostredame, better known as Nostradamus, was born in France on this date in 1503. Explain why you agree or disagree with the idea that it is possible to predict the future with substantial accuracy.

Secondary – December 13

Sir Francis Drake launched on a three-year journey around the world on this date in 1577. Describe what you imagine your life would be like if you were to be away from, and unable to communicate with, your family and friends for three years.

Secondary – December 12

The first Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, John Jay, was born on this date in 1745. He was also co-author of the Federalist Papers. He wrote in Georgia v. Brailsford (1794), “The jury has the right to judge both the law as well as the fact in controversy.” What does this idea mean to you, and do you agree or disagree?