April 1
Today is April Fool’s Day. Write about the best April Fool’s Joke you have played, or write about a joke you would like to play on someone. Remember to be safe! PDF
April 2
On this day, author Hans Christian Andersen was born. Andersen is known for his fairy tales. Pick two of your favorite fairy tales and create a play for a new story that would combine elements of both stories. PDF
**NEW** As part of a carnival in Los Angeles, the first permanent movie theater opened on this day in 1902. What is your all-time favorite movie and why? PDF
April 3
On this day in 1860, the Pony Express was established. The purpose of the Pony Express was to provide the fastest mail delivery between S. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento California. To be a rider, you had to be between the ages of 11 and 40, and weigh less than 125 pounds. Would you have liked to have been a rider? Why or why not? PDF
**NEW** On the streets of New York City, the first call using a cell phone was made on April 3, 1973. The call was made by Martin Cooper, an inventor. There is great debate as whether or not cell phones should be allowed in school. Explain your personal opinion. You may even want to do a little research to include in your writing. PDF
April 4
On this day in 1818, the first U.S. flag was approved. If you were asked to create a new flag for the United States, what would your flag look like? Write a paragraph explaining the flag and be sure to include a drawing. PDF
Today is Easter. One Easter tradition of some families is to color eggs. If you could design any type of egg, what would it look like? Be sure to explain your egg design and include a drawing. PDF
April 5
April 5th is “National Read a Road Map Day.” How do you think the first maps were created? Do you think it was easy or difficult for these first map makers? What types of challenges do you think they encountered? PDF
**NEW** On April 5, 1856, Booker T. Washington was born into slavery. Washington later became a teacher, founded Tuskegee University and was the first African-American to be shown on a postage stamp. Who is another African-American that you would honor with a postage stamp? Explain why and create a drawing of the stamp. PDF
April 6
On April 6, 1898, the North Pole was discovered. Using resources in the classroom, learn five (5) facts about the North Pole and summarize them in your own words. PDF
April 7
April 7th is “No Housework Day.” In a paragraph, explain what activity or activities you would enjoy doing in place of housework. PDF
April 8
The first week of April is known as "Astronomy Week." If you could travel to any of the planets, which one would you like to visit and why? PDF
April 9
On this day in 1865, Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. Shortly after this event, the Civil War came to an end. Using resources in the classroom, learn five (5) facts about the Civil War and summarize them in your own words.PDF
April 10
April 10th is “National Sibling Day.” If you have a sibling, explain what activities you enjoy doing with them. If you don’t have a sibling, would you like one? Why or why not?PDF
April 11
On this day in 1968, President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act. This act protected the rights of people, including African-Americans and women. Why do you think it’s important for all people to be treated equally? PDF
April 12
On April 12, 1981, the Space Shuttle Columbia was first launched. Is traveling into space something that interests you? Explain why or why not, as well as what type of space travel interests you. PDF
**NEW** On April 12, 1861, the U.S. Civil War began. The war lasted four years and claimed 640,000 lives. Looking at the photo above, what do you think this soldier may have been doing? PDF
April 13
On this day in 1743, our third President, Thomas Jefferson, was born. As a young child, Jefferson was an enthusiastic student. He would often spend up to 15 hours a day studying! How would you compare yourself to Jefferson as a student? PDF
April 14
On April 14, 1828, the Webster’s Dictionary was first published. Each year, a number of new words are added to the dictionary. One of the new words added in 2008 was “webinar.” What do you think one of the new words added this year may be and why? PDF
**NEW** On this day in 1912, a young man by the name of David Sarnoff, a telegraph operator in New York City, transmitted the first news of the Titanic hitting an iceberg. For it’s time the Titanic was an impressive sailing vessel. If you could sail around the world, what would be some of the places you would want to visit? PDF
April 15
On April 15, 1452, artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci was born. He created plans for a number of flying machines, including a four-man helicopter. Design your own type of flying machine. Be sure to explain how your machine works and include a sketch. PDF
**NEW** On April 15, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot and killed while attending a performance at the Ford Theater. How do you think U.S. history may have been different if Lincoln had not been shot? PDF
April 16
On this day in 1867, aviator Wilbur Wright was born. Through a lifetime of work and commitment, the Wright brothers performed the first ever manned powered flight. What type of lifetime dreams do you have for yourself? PDF
April 17
April is "National Garden Month." Do you have a garden at your home? If so, draw and label a picture or diagram of your garden. If you don't have a garden, draw and label a picture or diagram of a garden you could plant this year. Don't forget, gardens can also be grown in small containers and can be vegetables and/or flowers. PDF
April 18
Paul Revere’s famous ride took place on this day in 1775. Using resources in the classroom, learn five (5) facts about “The Midnight Run” and summarize them in your own words. PDF
**NEW** On April 18, 1906, a devastating earthquake hit San Francisco. There were hundreds of lives lost and thousands of buildings destroyed. Using resources in the classroom, learn about the changes that have been made around the world to how buildings are constructed to better withstand earthquakes.PDF
April 18th is “National Pet Owners Day.” Choose one of the questions to write about:
- If you could own any animal as a pet, what would it be and why?
- Do think it’s okay for people to own wild animals as pets? Why or why not? PDF
April 19
On this day in 1775, the Revolutionary War began. This was also known as the “War of Independence.” The thirteen colonies fought for and won their independence from Great Britain. How do you think our lives today may be different if we hadn’t won this war? PDF
April 20
April is “National Humor Month.” Write several of your own jokes. Pick your favorite to share with the class. PDF
April 21
The third week of April is known as “National Wildlife Week.” What is one way you could help conserve or protect the various type of wildlife found around your school and/or neighborhood? PDF
April 21st is “Kindergarten Day.” The first kindergarten was founded by Friedrich Froebel in Germany in 1837. Think back to your days in kindergarten. What is your favorite memory?PDF
April 22
Today is “Earth Day.” What are some activities that you could be a part of to help conserve our Earth, and all the precious resources it has to offer?PDF
We also have many more Earth Day Activities and Lesson Plans!
April 22nd is “National Jellybean Day.” If you were asked to invent a new flavor of jellybean, what would it be and why?PDF
April 23
Today is “Home Run Day” in honor of baseball great Hank Aaron hitting is first home run in 1954. If someone was to create a day to honor a first for you, what would that day be called and what event of yours would it honor? PDF
April 24
**NEW** On this day in 1981, Bill Gates introduced the world to the IBM personal computer. Whether you use a Mac or a PC, what do you believe to be the biggest impact personal computers have had on our world? PDF
April 24th is “Pigs-in-a-Blanket” day. Create a new dish using hot dogs as the main ingredient. Or describe your favorite hot dog dish. PDF
April 25
On this day in 1990, the Hubble Telescope was launched. The Hubble has provided us with never before seen photos of deep space. Do you think it’s beneficial to study our universe, as well as other universes? Do you think we may someday discover life on another planet? PDF
April 26
Today is “Hug a Friend Day.” Why do you think important we show our friends that we care for them and appreciate them? PDF
April 27
April 27th is “Tell a Story Day.” Create a plan and begin writing a story about any topic you would like. Try to include some exaggerations that make your story even more exciting and entertaining. PDF
**NEW** On April 27, 1882, Ulysses S. Grant was born. After serving in several wars, Grant later became our 18th President. Using resources in the classroom, learn five (5) facts about the Ulysses S. Grant and summarize them in your own words. PDF
April 28
On April 28, 1758, our 5th President, James Monroe, was born. Using resources in the classroom, learn five (5) facts about the James Monroe and summarize them in your own words.PDF
April 29
April 29th is “Penguin Day.” There are seventeen species of penguins world-wide. Using resources in the classroom, learn five (5) facts about a particular type of penguin and summarize them in your own words.PDF
April 30
Today is Arbor Day. This day is a celebration of trees and their importance in our lives. Using what you already now, as well as resources in your classroom, explain how trees are important in your life and in your neighborhood. PDF
On April 30, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was completed. Using resources in the classroom, learn five (5) facts about the Louisiana Purchase and the people who were a part of the even. Summarize the facts in your own words.PDF
Today is “National Honesty Day” to mark the day that George Washington was inaugurated as the first U.S. President in 1789. Do you think it’s important to be completely honest ALL of the time? Are there ever any times that you should not be honest? Explain your thoughts. PDF