Theme Project: It is the 1820s and you have moved to Texas. During the next 25 years you will write letters to a friend or relative describing the changes in Texas.
1. Who Are You? Think about who you are as you write your letters. Fill in the lines below with information about your letter-writing character.
My name is:______________________________________________
I moved to Texas from:______________________________________________
I moved to Texas because:______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
I will write my letters to:______________________________________________
2. Tracking Changes As you work through the unit, keep track of what you learn about Texas history between 1820 and 1845. Make notes in each section below. Think about how the changes you list affect your daily life. How do you feel about certain events? What do you want to tell your relative or friend about these changes and your life in your new home?
The Mexican Era
Changes in Society:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Political Changes:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
How I Was Affected by These Changes:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
The Texas Revolution
Changes in Society:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Political Changes:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
How I Was Affected by These Changes:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
The Texas Republic
Changes in Society:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Political Changes:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
How I Was Affected by These Changes:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3. Write the Letters Using your notes, write at least one letter for telling about each period in Texas history from 1820 to 1845. In your letters, describe in detail the changes that have occurred and how your life was affected or not. You may also want to write about any historical figures you meet or events you witnessed or took part in.
Letters completed
4. Create Illustrations Make drawings or maps to go with each of your letters. Your illustrations should show changes in Texas or in your life, such as a new home, a map showing new borders, or an historic event.
Illustrations completed
5. Send Your Letters Give copies of your letters and illustrations to your classmates, friends, or family. You may want to read your letters aloud as part of a class presentation.