How to Plan a Lesson for Texas Independence Day

Remember the Alamo during Texas Independence Day activities.

Planning a lesson for Texas Independence Day involves both comprehending textbook history lessons and embarking on a discovery of state history. Students will gain a deeper grasp of Texas heritage and important figures that helped shaped the nature of the Lone Star State. Classroom extension activities and field trips, either real or virtual, enhance student awareness and appreciation for the battles and obstacles Texas faced during the journey to statehood. Washington-on-the-Brazos, the site of the Texas Independence Convention where the Republic was signed into existence, and the Alamo typically offer special events to mark Texas Independence Day.

Things You'll Need

• Field trip permission - optional
• Internet connection
• Computers
• Construction or butcher paper
• Bulletin board
• Computer printer

Instructions

1. Organize a tour of the Capitol Visitors Center to learn about Texas Independence. A parade and period interpreters are commonly a part of the celebration activities. If your school is too far away to make a trip to the center and browse the historical exhibits, visit the center's website to research Texas history and displays. You can create a research packet for students to use during either experience to record their observations and answer questions.

2. Teach students about the events that occurred at Washington-on-the-Brazos. The historic site of the Texas Independence Convention is now a state park with interactive exhibits open year-round and special events during Texas History Month. Students can read about the acts which transpired leading to the formation of the Republic of Texas. Assign each student a particular historic figure who participated in the convention to study. Ask older students to write a research paper and elementary students to compete worksheet questions and draw a picture of the assigned historic figure at the convention.

3. Read a story or facts about the battle of the Alamo to students. Discuss the events that led up to the battle and what life may have been like inside the fort. "The Alamo," starring John Wayne, or a historical documentary about the battle can be shown after completing reading and writing extension activities. Make a character chart on the bulletin board featuring the major figures involved in the battle. Print out an image for each person and give students sentence strips to add to the display. Instruct the students to write a sentence or fact about each person to staple beneath their image.

4. Organize a "Happy Birthday Texas" party in the classroom. Place the names of important historical figures into a jar and allow students to each draw a name. Students can dress up as their character for the party. The costumes can be simple and include accessories and hats created from construction or butcher paper. Teach students a song popular during the period to perform during the celebration. Each student should get a turn to stand in front of the class and introduce themselves as the historical figure they are portraying. A Texas themed cake or cupcakes and Tex-Mex food can be served as lunch or a snack. Video tape the presentations and celebration to share with parents and the school administration.

References

• Mrs. Jackson's Class: Texas Independencce Day Activities
• Texas Parks and Wildlife: Washington-on-the-Brazos
• Texas State Preservation Board: Capitol Visitors Center
• The Alamo: Battle of the Alamo