May - June

As a citizen, you agree with some laws and disagree with others.

If you could either create a new law or eliminate a current law, what would it be and why?

Write to persuade others why you would create a new law or eliminate a current one.

Aristotle once said, “Happiness depends upon ourselves.”

Everyone knows the word “happiness,” but most of us have a different idea of what it means to be happy.

Write 2 paragraphs that defines the word “happiness” and include two or three examples either from your own experience or from literature.

Suppose you woke up and found out that you had become a super hero for a day.

What happened?

What powers did you have?

What did you do?

Write a story about your day. Be creative!

The second week of May is “National Pet Week.”

Dogs are America’s most popular pet.

Why do you think so many people in America own dogs?

If you have a dog, what do you enjoy most about them?

If you don’t have a dog, would you like to own one? Why or why not?

You won a free hot-air-balloon ride.

What was it like in the balloon?

How did you feel as you soared into the sky?

What did you see below you?

What sounds did you hear?

Write an essay describing the sights, sounds, and sensations of your balloon flight.

The third week in May is “National Police Week.”

Take a minute to reflect on the value of our police men and women.

Why is their help so valuable to the community?

Imagine that your uncle is visiting your family, and he wants to use your family’s computer to read the news from his home state. Unfortunately, he has never used a computer before. Your parents have asked you to show him how to turn on the computer, access the Internet, and, if possible, find a website with the news from his home state.

Write a detailed essay describing the steps your uncle will need to follow to use the computer. Don’t forget to explain details that might seem obvious, such as where the power switch is and how to use the mouse.

You have probably read books or seen movies about people shipwrecked or lost by themselves on a deserted island. In the famous book, Robinson Crusoe, the main character is a castaway who thinks he is alone on an island. However, one day he is surprised to find a set of footprints on the beach. He knows the footprints aren't his.

Imagine you are a lonely castaway on an island and that you notice someone else's footprints on the beach one day. What will you do? Tell the story of what happens after you find the footprints.