Texas Declares Independence


Texas Studies Revolution and Republic of Texas Texas Declares Independence
Students explain the meaning of “to declare independence” for a second grader. Then they examine the structure and main purpose of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Next they paraphrase two paragraphs of the Declaration in their own words. Finally, they read about the Runaway Scrape and develop a position on the Texas government’s flight.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

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Here are the teacher pack items for Texas Declares Independence:

Preview - Scene 1
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Overview

In this experience, students explain the meaning of “to declare independence” to a second grader. Then they examine the structure and main purpose of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Next they paraphrase two paragraphs of the Declaration in their own words. Finally, they read about the Runaway Scrape and develop a position on the Texas government’s flight.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 2 to scene 4.

If you have access to leveled readers about the Constitutional Convention or the Runaway Scrape, assign them to the students in parallel to this experience.

Estimated duration: 45-60 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • delegate
  • convention
  • ad interim
  • loyal
  • suspicious
  • serve
  • massive
  • cowardice

Objectives

  • Analyze the Texas Declaration of Independence.
  • Explain the Runaway Scrape.


Engage


On March 1, 1836, fifty-nine delegates from around Texas met in Washington-on-the-Brazos for the Convention of 1836. San Antonio de Béxar was already under siege and the Alamo would fall five days later. Before the final Battle of the Alamo, Texas declared its independence from Mexico on March 2.

Objectives

  • Analyze the Texas Declaration of Independence.
  • Explain the Runaway Scrape.


first page of the handwritten document

Texas Declaration of Independence, 1836


You have already learned that Mexico declared its independence from Spain, and the United States declared its independence from Great Britain. What do you think that means, “to declare independence”? Try to write a definition that a second grader can understand.

Post your answer

Sample answer: Sometimes a state or an area within a country feels that the government doesn’t care about them, and they might be better off with their own country. They must tell the government and the world: we are now our own bosses. For example, maybe Alaska feels that the United States doesn’t understand what it’s like to live in such a big, cold place that is far from the rest of the country, and that the state could better care for itself if it was a separate nation.


Divide students into their small groups for the next three scenes. When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

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