Although it is important for students to learn about the world as a whole, knowing the history of the country they live in is just as important.
From an early age, we teach students about patriotism, what it means to be a good citizen, and brief American history.
Below is a list of writing prompts about the United States, the military, patriotism, and more. This guide will encourage students to reflect on what they’ve learned, and to dig deeper and research topics that they’re not familiar with.
Using This Guide
This is a great guide to use in tandem with your Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day teachings, but it could also be used during social studies lessons about American history. Here are a few ways you could use this list of prompts:
- Challenge students to use one writing prompt in their writing journal every day for a week.
- Have students pick a number between 1 and 43.
- Assign these prompts as homework alongside your American History lessons.
- Assign these prompts as optional homework over the summer, with the 4th of July in mind.
The Writing Prompts
- How would you describe the “American Dream”? Do you think it’s different for everyone?
- What does it mean to be patriotic?
- Research an American scientist from any point in American history. Write 3-5 paragraphs about their accomplishments.
- Write an acrostic poem using the word “AMERICA”.
- What is your favorite Independence Day memory?
- I am thankful to be an American because…
- Write a short fictional story that takes place during the Gold Rush.
- Write 2-4 paragraphs explaining what you know about the United States Military.
- Which American President do you think has been the most important in U.S. history? Why?
- Which patriotic song is your favorite? Why?
- Research a prominent colonial figure and write 3-5 paragraphs about their significance in American history.
- How does your family celebrate the 4th of July? Do you have any special traditions?
- Why did the colonists want so badly to be independent? What does it mean to be independent? Explain.
- Write a patriotic poem using the following words: stars, stripes, diversity, parade
- Explain the design of the American Flag. Who designed the first American flag?
- Research an American athlete from any point in U.S. history. Write 3-5 paragraphs about their accomplishments.
- Why is the American Flag such an important symbol?
- Why is it important to have both state governments and a federal government?
- Our government is unique because…
- Write an acrostic poem using the word “PATRIOT”.
- Write a short fictional story that takes place during the Revolutionary War.
- Briefly explain the Constitution and what it means today.
- What is the significance of the Bald Eagle as an American symbol?
- What is the most important part of the Constitution? Why?
- What do you think the Founding Fathers would think if they saw America today?
- Research something created by an American. Write 3-5 paragraphs about the invention and how it changed the world.
- Fighting for our freedom is important because…
- What is the significance of celebrating Memorial Day?
- Why do we celebrate Veteran’s Day?
- Do you think one branch of the military is more important than the others? Explain your reasoning.
- Write a short story that takes place during the Civil War.
- Write an acrostic poem using the word “BRAVE”.
- Do you enjoy watching fireworks? Explain.
- Do you think fireworks should be legal? Why or why not?
- Briefly explain the Bill of Rights.
- Why is the Bill of Rights so important?
- What is the significance of the National Anthem?
- Why do we celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks?
- Write a patriotic poem using the following words: red, white, blue, stand, brave
- Why is diversity so important in America?
- Write a haiku about independence.
- What do you think makes someone a hero?
- I’m proud to be an American because…
Looking for More Writing Inspiration?
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