All About Texas and a {FREEBIE}

One of the funnest parts about teaching Social Studies is getting to teach about our the great state of Texas! I try to really focus on Texas during the week of Texas Independence Day (March 3rd), but it can really be done all throughout the year! I've listened some of my key teaching points below. I like having these nearby during our “Texas Week” to help make sure I'm teaching my firsties everything they need to know about Texas!

What We Learn About Our State

Texas State Symbols:

•              State Seal: can only be used by the Governor of Texas

•              State Flag: called The Lone Star Flag

•              The Alamo: Spanish mission leading to Texas' Independence

•              State Flower: bluebonnet

•              State Tree: pecan tree

•              State Bird: mockingbird

•              State Large Animal: longhorn

•              State Small Animal: armadillo

•              State Fabric: cotton

(Source: TEKS Resource System)

Responsibilities of State Public Officials:

•              provide leadership to keep the state functioning properly

•              facilitate teamwork among other officials and citizens

•              maintain fiscal responsibility (budget, etc.)

•              address the concerns of the community

•              maintain order

•              provide security

•              manage conflict

(Source: TEKS Resource System)

 

Facts about Sam Houston:

•              Military leader who played a crucial role in the Battle of San Jacinto by defeating Mexico and thus acquire independence for Texas

•              Served as first president of the Republic of Texas

•              Served as U.S. Senator from Texas after Texas joined the United States

•              Served as Governor of Texas and influenced legislation at the state and national level

(Source: TEKS Resource System)

 

Students should be able to:

•              1.4A  Locate places using the four cardinal directions.

•              1.4B Describe the location of self and objects relative to other locations in the classroom and school.

•              1.5B Locate Texas and community on a map.

 

Students should be able to identify anthems and mottoes of Texas.

•              Definition of a motto:  short expression of guiding principle

•              Official Motto of Texas: Friendship

•              Unofficial Mottos of Texas: Don't Mess with Texas and Remember the Alamo

•              Official Anthem of Texas: Texas, Our Texas

•              Unofficial Anthems of Texas: Yellow Rose of Texas and Deep in the Heart of Texas

(Source: TEKS Resource System)

 

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Read Alouds for Teaching about Texas