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.

Secondary – April 8

Buddhists celebrate this date as the birth of the sage Siddhārtha Gautama in 563 BC. The Buddha instructed, “It is better to travel well than to arrive.” True or false? Defend your answer with examples from your life.

Primary – April 8

Buddhists celebrate this date as the birth of the sage Siddhārtha Gautama in 563 BC. The Buddha taught, “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.” Explain why you think he might be talking about something more than just candles.

Secondary – April 7

“I agree that there are things that should be kept secret.” -Daniel Ellsberg, the U.S. Defense Department analyst who leaked the Pentagon Papers, born on this date in 1931. Describe where you think the line is between what your government should keep secret and make public.

Primary – April 7

Which is worse: never starting or never finishing?