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May 17:
In 1970, Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl sailed from the coast of Africa to the Bahamas in a raft built like those used by the ancient Egyptians, seeking to prove that people of ancient times could have traded across the Atlantic. His voyage took 57 days. How would you like to cross the ocean on a raft? What are some of the supplies would you take? What are some problems you would face?
Based on the previous prompt: Some people say his trip proved his idea was right, others say that one trip is not enough to prove an idea so unusual. Do you think that his voyage proved or disproved his idea? Why do you think as you do?
In 1845, the rubber band was patented. Suppose there were no rubber bands. What would you use instead?
Happy birthday, Norway! The first king of Norway was crowned in 872. Norway is a very mountainous country with a cold climate, and Norwegians love to ski and ice skate. What sports do you like to participate in? Why do you like those sports?
This is Be Kind to Animals Week. The first one was proclaimed in 1913. Name two useful animals that people are seldom kind to. Why are they useful?
Gary Paulsen, author of Hatchet and many other adventure books for young people, was born in 1934. He believes that it is important to realize and admit it when you do wrong things. Have you or someone you know ever gotten into trouble because they were afraid to admit a mistake? Describe what happened.
May 18:
In 1951, the United Nations moved into its permanent building in New York. Its design was the result of a contest among architects. Suppose you were asked to design a building for a new organization. What kind of building would you design? What are some things you would want it to include?
May is Older Americans Month. Tell about an older person whom you know and admire.
Mount St. Helens erupted explosively in 1980. The volcano continues to be active in a minor way. Some people want to visit it, others fear it may erupt violently again. Do you think people should be able to visit the volcano if it means they are risking their life? Give reasons for your answer.
In 1852, the first law requiring that children attend school was passed. Some people say that children should not be required to go to school. Others say that children with no education are likely to have a very hard life. How do you feel about this? Write at least 4 sentences giving reasons for your opinion.
May 19:
In 1777, Button Gwinnett became the first signer of the Declaration of Independence to die, less than a year after he signed it. His signature is so rare that a collector of autographs paid $150,000 for one. List some people whose autographs you would like to collect.
In 1977, President Kenyatta of Kenya banned big-game hunting in his country in order to conserve wildlife and increase tourism. Now, in some places, some wild animals are becoming dangerous (lions and hyenas) or destructive (elephants) because their numbers have increased so they cannot all live on parks and reserves. Some people want to allow limited big-game hunting to resume. Do you agree with them? Why or why not?
Malcolm X, Black Nationalist and civil rights leader, was born in 1925. He once said, "if we don't stand for something, we may fall for anything." What do you think he meant by that?
In 1916, Daylight Savings Time was begun in England. Daylight Savings Time gives you more time in the afternoon before the sun sets. How do you feel about Daylight Savings time?
May 20:
Today is National Bike to Work Day. What would be the effect if everyone rode bicycles for short trips, rather than take a car?
In 1932, Amelia Earhart began her flight across the Atlantic Ocean, becoming the first woman to fly the Atlantic solo. She once said, "It is far easier to start something than to finish it." What are some things you have started but not finished? What caused you to not finish them?
In 1775, Mecklenburg County, NC, declared it was independent from Great Britain, more than a year before the rest of the United States. This date is shown on the NC state flag. Design a monument to commemorate this event. Draw your design and describe it, or just describe it so that others can imagine it.
(Based on the previous prompt) They were the first large group of people in America to declare independence publicly. Why is it hard to be the first person or group to do something new?
May 21:
Bicycles were first used on the streets of New York city in 1819. Although they did not have much of the equipment of modern bicycles (brakes, gears, inflatable tires), they were still faster than walking. Bicycling can be fun, but it also can be dangerous. List five safety rules anyone riding a bicycle should follow.
Frances Theresa Densmore was born in 1867. She went among Native American tribes recording their songs and ceremonies, many of which would otherwise have been lost. She recorded more than 2,500 Indian songs. How would you like a job recording other people's songs and stories? What would be some of the problems a job like that would have?
Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. His flight took over 29 hours, and he could not fall asleep without crashing into the ocean, since there were no automatic pilots in 1927. If you had to say up that long, what are some of the things you would do to keep yourself awake?
In 1819, Burlington Arcade, the world’s first shopping mall, opened in London. List your favorite places to shop when you go to the mall.
May 22:
In 1966, Bill Cosby won an Emmy for Best Actor in the TV series I Spy. He was the first African-American actor to star in a regular dramatic series on television. He once said, "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” What do you think he meant by that?
The first life insurance policy was sold in America in 1761. Life was much more dangerous in those days, because of both diseases and accidents. What things do people do today that are likely to make their lives shorter? List 4 of them.
In 1849, Abraham Lincoln became the only President to patent an invention of his own. It was a way to get steamboats through shallow water, but cheaper ways were found and no one ever used Lincoln’s invention. Describe something you might want to invent.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the writer of the Sherlock Holmes stories, was born in 1859. Who is your favorite fictional character? Why do you like that character so much?
May 23:
The first successful trip across the entire United States by a car began in San Francisco in 1903. If you were planning a trip across the United States by car, what cities or scenic places would you like to visit along your way? List 5 places, and tell why you would want to visit that place.
The main New York Public Library building was opened by President Taft in 1911. It is the largest marble building ever built in the United States. Suppose you were asked to design a library for your community. What are some things you would include? What would you leave out?
The full moon in May is sometimes called the Flower Moon because so many flowers are blooming at this time. What kinds of flowers are blooming in your area? Describe a flower garden you have seen.
Today is the birthday of the New York Public Library, the nation’s largest, which opened in 1911. It is famous for its stone lions, named Truth and Beauty, in front of the main branch in Manhattan. What would be a good stone animal to put in front of your school’s library? What would you name it? Give reasons for your answer.
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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.