Daily Writing Prompts - August
Below are daily writing prompts for the month of August. The majority of the prompts are related to the various events on our August Events Calendar. These events include birthdays, holidays, monthly celebrations, and important dates in history. Some of the dates include two different writing prompts to choose from. You can download a PDF form of the writing prompt. Be sure to check out the **NEW** additions for the 2009-2010 school year!
Don't forget to also print a copy of our August Events Calendar. This will help you utilize the daily writing prompts.
We also have a bunch of other Activities, Lesson Plans and Resources for August.
August - General
August is “National Inventors Month.” Think of a new invention you would like to create and explain your creation. Don’t forget to include how your invention will be used. PDF
**NEW** August is National Eye Exam Month. We often take our eye sight for granted. Sit for one minute with your eyes closed - maybe in the classroom, outside, in the hallway, any location - and notice what it's like to not "see" anything. How was this similar or different to sitting in this same location with your eyes open? PDF
August 1
August 1, 1770, is the birthday of explorer William Clark, of the famed Lewis & Clark. Would you have wanted to be a member of the Lewis & Clark expedition team? Explain your reasons. PDF
**NEW** On this day in 1779, lawyer and poet Francis Scott Key was born. After witnessing an attack during the War of 1812, Key wrote a poem. This poem was later set to music and became known as, "The Star-Spangled Banner." Write your own poem honoring a specific moment or time in history. PDF
Today is “Sports Day.” Describe your favorite sport or a sport that you would like to learn how to play. PDF
August 2
On August 2, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed. If you were able to create a Declaration of Independence for your classroom, describe, in detail, one of the rights you would give the members of the classroom. PDF
Today is “National Ice Cream Sandwich Day.” Share what your favorite dessert is and give three reasons why you like that particular dessert. PDF
August 3
On August 3, 1492, explorer Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain. While learning about new things, students can create rhythms to help them remember specific facts. A rhythm often used with Columbus is the following: “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” Think about what we are currently learning about in class, or something that we have already learned. Do your best to create five (5) rhythms that would help you or another student have an easier time of learning that fact. PDF
Today is “National Chocolate Chip Day.” Explain how to make your favorite type of cookie. PDF
Today is “National Watermelon Day.” Watermelon is a popular summer food. Describe your favorite summer food and why you like this particular food. PDF
August 4
On this day in 1790, the Coast Guard was established. The Coast Guard is a branch of the U.S. military and is involved with search and rescue, assisting mariners, and playing a role in maritime law. There are a number of branches in the U.S. military. Why are the men and women of our military so important? PDF
**NEW** On this date in 1901, musician Louis Armstrong was born. Armstrong was an amazing jazz trumpeter. If you could play any instrument, which would it be and why? If you already play an instrument, why did you select that instrument? PDF
August 5
On August 5, 1930, astronaut Neil Armstrong was born. If you could travel to outer space, where would you like to travel to and why? PDF
August 6
**NEW** Today is Friendship Day. What makes a great friend? What characteristics does a friend have? What is a friend willing to do? Create a "want ad" that could go in a newspaper looking for a "Great Friend." PDF
**NEW** Andy Warhol was born on this date in 1928. Warhol is known for being the leader of the Pop Art movement. Using resources in the classroom, learn about the Pop Art style and then create your own piece of art. PDF
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you like to travel and why? PDF
August 7
Describe your favorite trip to the ocean. If you have not been to the ocean, explain why you would or would not like to go to the ocean. PDF
August 8
**NEW** On this date in 1899, a man by the name of Albert T. Marshall received the patent for an "automatic refrigerating apparatus," better known as the refrigerator. In at least one paragraph, explain why you think the refrigerator was such an important invention. PDF
August 9
On August 9, 1944, Smokey the Bear was “born.” Smokey is responsible for sharing with people the danger of forest fires. Write a paragraph persuading campers to handle fire carefully. PDF
August 10
Herbert Clark Hoover, the 31st President of the United States was born on August 10, 1874. Would you like to be President of the United States? Why or why not? PDF
August 11
On this day in 1999,
the last total solar eclipse of the millennium crossed many populated areas throughout Europe, India, and Iran, making it the most observed eclipse in history.
Using pictures and words, create a diagram explaining a solar eclipse. PDF
Today is “National Play in the Sand Day.” Describe what your ideal sandcastle would look like. Don't forget to include a sketch. PDF
August 12
On this day in 1981, IBM announced their new PC. How do you think computers have possibly helped our lives? How do you think computers have possibly harmed our lives? PDF
**NEW** Today is National Aviation Day. The way we travel has dramatically changed over the years. Think about all the different ways we can fly: airplane, rocket, hot air balloon, etc. and then select one. In at least one paragraph, explain why this particular mode of flying is the best. PDF
On this day in 1876, Thomas Edison received a patent for the mimeograph machine. This was the first copy machine. Do you think there will be a day when we don’t use paper and everything will be done with computers? PDF
August 13
Annie Oakley was born on this date in 1860. Would you liked to have lived back in the Wild West days of cowboys, cowgirls, and stagecoaches? Why or why not? PDF
August 14
Describe a time that you had to solve a problem with a friend or family member. What was the problem and how was it resolved? PDF
August 15
On this day in 1869 the Transcontinental Railroad was completed. Describe how you think the men working on this railroad may have felt when they saw their goal achieved? PDF
Today is “National Relaxation Day.” Describe one way you like to have fun and relax. PDF
August 16
Today is “National Joke Day.” Think about some of your favorite jokes and then write one of your own. PDF
August 17
On this day in 1786, Frontiersman Davy Crockett was born. Before turning fifteen, Davy was on his own, helping drive cattle from Tennessee to Virginia. What do you think were some of the obstacles Davy encountered on his journeys? PDF
Today is “National Archeology Day.” An archeologist is someone who recovers and studies the remains of previous human life and culture. If you could be an archeologist for a day, which culture would enjoy learning about? PDF
August 18
**NEW** On this date in 1944, author Paula Danziger was born. Danziger is probably best known for her Amber Brown series. If you were going to create your own series of books, what type of characters would you have? What genre of series would you write? Write at least one paragraph explaining your thoughts. PDF
On this day in 1934, baseball great Roberto Clemente was born. Baseball is considered “America’s Pastime.” When you are outside of school, what is your favorite pastime and why? PDF
August 19
On this day in 1946, Bill Clinton, our 42nd President, was born. What do you think would be the most challenging part of being President of the United States? PDF
August 20
On this day in 1741, Vitus Bering discovered Alaska. Alaska later became the 49th state. Using resources in the classroom, learn five (5) facts about this state and summarize them in your own words. PDF
**NEW** Benjamin Harrison, our 23 rd President, was born on this date in 1833. Using resources in your room, learn about Harrison . Locate five (5) facts about this former President and summarize them in your own words. PDF
August 21
On August 12, 1898, Hawaii was annexed to the United States. This means that the islands became property of the U.S. Hawaii actually didn’t become the 50th state until August, 21, 1959. Using resources in the classroom, learn five (5) facts about this state and summarize them in your own words. PDF
On this day in 1858, the first Lincoln-Douglas Debate was held. Working with a partner, chose a topic to debate. Decide which side of the topic each of you will debate, prepare your information, and debate the topic. PDF
August 22
Today is “Be an Angel Day.” Describe a time that you were an angel to another person, or a time that someone was an angel to you. PDF
August 23
On this day in 1966, the first photograph of Earth from the moon was taken by the Lunar Orbiter. If you were seeing Earth from the moon for the first time, what would be your thoughts? PDF
August 24
On this day in 1932, Amelia Earhart flew across the United States. What type of character traits do you feel Amelia needed to have to reach this goal of hers? PDF
August 25
Today is “National Banana Split Day.” Explain how to make a banana split. PDF
On this day in 1916, the National Park Service was established. Using resources in your room, learn about a National Park that is located in your state, or one that you have visited before. Locate five (5) facts about the park and summarize them in your own words. PDF
August 26
On this day in 1920, the 19th Amendment - Women’s Equality was signed. Why do you think it was important for women to be able to vote? PDF
August 27
Mother Teresa was born on this day in 1910. Mother Teresa dedicated her life to helping others. List five (5) things you can do to help others today or this week. PDF
August 28
On this day in 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream was for all people, no matter what their skin color, to be treated equal. What is your dream? PDF
August 29
On this day in 1934, the first Scout camp opened. Have you ever been to a camp? If so, describe your experience. If not, what camp would you like to attend? PDF
August 30
**NEW** On August 30, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of the United States . This was a Category 4 hurricane. What types of natural disasters affect your area? And are you and your family prepared? Use resources in the classroom to learn more about natural disasters that may occur where you live and what you need to do in case one occurs. PDF
Today is “National Toasted Marshmallow Day.” Write a poem about this tasty treat. PDF
On this day in 1967, Thurgood Marshall took a seat on the United States Supreme Court. Using resources in the classroom, list five (5) jobs or responsibilities of the Supreme Court. PDF
August 31
On this day in 1870, a famous educator by the name of Maria Montessori was born. What is something new you would like to learn about this school year? PDF
Check out our other Activities, Lesson Plans and Resources for August.
| Check out our other Printable Worksheets! |
Maze Maker
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Brain Teasers
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Time Worksheets
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Crossword Maker
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Match-ups
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Calendar Maker
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