Do you love Texas History? You should!
In this post, I will aim to tell you why your students will absolutely love Texas History.
Students Love Texas History Stories
When you think about history, I want you to think about it as a series of stories. Students love to hear stories and we can lock into this love for engagement.
Whether you include literature, have guests come in to share historical stories, you share stories, or you use multimedia to share these stories they are sure to be a hit!
Research is Fascinating
Students love Texas History research. I have found that just about every student I taught got over the moon excited about research in general, but when it comes to Texas History they were all in.
Throughout the year, I like to include a few research projects where students can put their media literacy and research skill to the test and then share their learning with their peers and the school community. These research projects were often recalled as students’ favorites throughout the year.
First-Hand Accounts
Let’s get real. There is nothing quite like being able to read a letter written by Samuel Houston or Stephen F. Austin.
One thing I love about Texas History is the abundance of first-hand accounts and primary documents that are available. By using these documents throughout the curriculum, students won’t be able to help falling deep into their state’s history.
The U.S. Library of Congress has a plethora of items available in a digitized format that makes for easy search and use of these documents. They include photos, letters, maps, legislation, and more!
Students Love Texas History Field Trips
As a teacher, field trips are anxiety-inducing days, but students love Texas History field trips.
Whether you are close enough to visit the Bob Bullock Museum of Texas History or not, there is a multitude of sites and a wealth of information available for field trips.
Some of my favorite field trip locations include the San Antonio Missions (of which the Alamo is the least intriguing, in my eyes), Aquarena Springs at Texas State University, and Cascade Caverns.
These are just a few of the many field trip options in Central Texas alone.
Are You In Love Yet?
While social studies is often pushed to the back burner, if not off the stovetop completely, we can take measured steps to include it and engage our students through stories, research, first-hand accounts, primary documents, and field trips that bring the history alive.
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