Secondary – September 16

On this date in 1620, the Mayflower left Plymouth, England, with 102 passengers bound for the “New World.” Considering the distance and challenges of any future new worlds, describe what would make you decide to make a pilgrimage to one if given the opportunity.

Primary – September 16

HA Rey, who with his wife Margret created Curious George, was born on this date in 1898. Write about a time you didn’t pursue your curiosity and what happened to make you wish you had.

Secondary – September 15

On this date in 1812, Russian soldiers and their leaders set Moscow on fire to deny the city to the invading French army under command of Napoleon Bonaparte. Argue the logic of destroying someone so someone else cannot have it.

Primary – September 15

“Enthusiasm for a cause sometimes warps judgment.” -William Howard Taft, the 27th president of the United States, who was born on this date in 1857. Write about a time you were too enthusiastic about something to make a good decision.

Secondary – September 14

Ivan Pavlov, famous for his experiments with dogs demonstrated conditioned reflexes, was born on this date in 1849. Think about something that triggers an automatic reaction in you. What is it, what sense do you use when experiencing it, what happens when you do, and why you want to keep or get rid of it?

Primary – September 14

Author Robert McCloskey was born on this day in 1914. If you could live anywhere you wanted, where would that be any why?

Secondary – September 13

“Work accomplished means little. It is in the past. What we all want is the glorious and living present.” -Sherwood Anderson, born this date in 1876. Explain why you agree or disagree with the author of Winesburg, Ohio.

Primary – September 13

Emily Jenkins was born on this date in 1967. One of her books is The Little Bit Scary People. Write about a time you were scared of someone or something because you’d never experienced it before.