SHARON’S BLOG

Picnics. Parades. Fireworks.

Looking for ways to help your middle school and high school students focus on America’s Independence Day? Look no further! Enjoy this variety of prompts {and your Independence Day celebrations}.independence day

1. A Poem or Song

It’s 1893. You’ve traveled across the country for work, and now you’re through. You want to visit one of the mountains nearby, so you and your friends ascend a very winding and dangerous Pikes Peak, elevation 14,114 feet, in a prairie wagon.

When you reach the top of the peak, you are so overcome with the beautiful scenery below you that you write a poem about what you see.

This is the story of Katharine Lee Bates, author of “America, the Beautiful.” You can read her story and the lyrics to this famous and well-loved song here.

Write a poem or song about your state, province, or town. Katharine Bates characterized America as “beautiful.” How will you characterize your location? What trait will you accentuate?

This can be humorous, negative, serious, positive, ironic, or anything you like.

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2. A Parade

If you were in a parade, what would you like to be? Here are some choices: clown, clean-up crew, prince or princess in the convertible, driver of a float, on a float, in a marching band, on horseback, one of the veterans, juggler, grand marshal, maker of a float, color guard, spectator.

Explain your decision.

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3. Fireworks

Use the word “fireworks” in a sentence without it meaning a visual explosion in the sky. Use this as the first sentence in a story and then finish your story. What will be the grand finale?

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4. Dependent or Independent?

Getting older means becoming more independent, but growing in the Lord means becoming more dependent on Him. In what ways can you be more dependent on God? Make a list of at least three ways and then explain your ideas.

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5. Celebrate!

There are a number of ways people express their patriotism and celebrate their country. What is your favorite way? Does your family or group have a tradition like watching annual fireworks while eating Rice Crispy snacks? Write about your personal expression or your family’s.

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Looking for fun middle school prompts? Follow this link. >>

Would you like engaging high school prompts. Follow this link. >>

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