This
curriculum was developed from 2017-2018 as I home-schooled my two kids, who
were ages 8 and 10 when it began. The rhythm of our lives lent itself to a
pattern of meeting weekly for an hour or more, almost always preceded by
reading assignments to prepare for that week’s topic. Living in Seguin, just
east of San Antonio, I endeavored to build this curriculum with heavy emphasis
on experiencing historical sites first-hand. Whenever possible, we took our
discussion and learning about Texas history to the places where it happened,
along the way including the insights of museum staff, tour guides, and
talkative local citizens.
What I share is far from perfect. I offer it as a starting point for others who are
exploring Texas history and seeking to nurture critical thinking, engaged
citizenship, and historical competency within students. Please adapt it to your
own community, to your students and their interests, and to your own interests
and abilities as a teacher.
May
your journey into Texas history be a rich, transformative experience for you
and your students!
