In this lesson plan, history and art combine to teach students about the "Old 300," a group of colonists that Stephen F. Austin brought to Texas as the first settlers. Using information gathered from the TIDES site and other resources, students will create a timeline of major events leading to the colonization of Texas, will write a travel log as if they were trekking to Texas in a covered wagon, and will write a script for a reenactment of the "Old 300," designing and creating appropriate sets, props, backdrops and costumes. These elements will come together in a skit which will be performed in front of the class.

Created by Linda Huff, July 2006

The student is expected to:

read to be informed 4.(8)(C)

read for varied purposes 4.(8)(C)

draw inferences and paraphrase information from text 4.(10)(G,H)

summarize and organize information from multiple sources by making charts 4.(13)(E)

compare text events with his/her own culture 4.(14)(A)

distinguish common characteristics across cultures 4.(14)(B)

write to inform 4.(15)(C)

write in complete sentences 4.(18)(B)

respond in constructive ways to other’s writing 4.(20)(B)

summarize information using journals 4.(21)(D)

interpret events and ideas gathered from maps, charts, and technology presentation 4.(23)(B)

select, organize or produce visuals to extend meaning 4.(25)(A)

TEKS §110.6. English Language Arts & Reading, Grade 4

The student is expected to:

organize and interpret information on charts 4.(22)(C)

differentiate between primary and secondary sources 4.(22)(A)

identify leaders important to the founding of Texas 4.(3)(E)

identify accomplishments of notable individuals 4.(5)(B)

TEKS §113.6. Social Studies, Grade 4.

The student is expected to:

measure to solve problems involving length, time, and area 4.(12)

identify the math in everyday situations 4.(14)(A)

explain and record observations using objects, words, pictures and numbers 4.(15)(A)

use addition, subtraction and multiplication to solve problems 4.(3)(A), 4.(4)(D)

TEKS §111.16. Math, Grade 4.

The student is expected to:

describe characters, their relationships, and their surroundings 4.(2)(B)

explain as a reflection of life in a particular time 4.(4)(A)

TEKS §117.16. Theatre, Grade 4.

The student is expected to:

design original artworks 4.(2)(B)

produce artwork and explore imagery using a variety of materials 4.(2)(C)

TEKS §117.14 Art, Grade 4.

Students will research/read/view/compare the documents relating to one of the "Old 300" colonists that Stephen F. Austin brought to Texas. Search the Handbook of Texas: "Old 300." Choose one of the colonists to research. Compile information, using the Old 300–Data Sheet, to use in a script for a reenactment of the "Old 300."

Write a script based on the information gathered in your reading time. Create a short script from the "Old 300’s" point of view, either before, during or after they had GTT– Gone to Texas. Use the writing process for a prewriting, draft, edit/revision and then a final draft.

Read about Stephen F. Austin in your Social Studies textbook, in the Handbook of Texas, and the Texas TIDES site. Make a timeline including the major events leading to the colonization of Texas.

Pretend you are traveling to Texas in a covered wagon. Make a trip plan based on travel time, distance, and supplies. Use the travel log provided for your information.

Design a set for the above play with props, backdrops and costumes. Using the TIDES site, make your clothing and scenery fit with things seen and worn in the 1800’s.

Gone To Texas Skit: Using the information gathered, the script you wrote and the scenery and costumes you designed, put together a skit to perform for your classmates. You will be graded using the rubric provided.

1836 Texas Map Old 300–Data Sheet Gone to Texas Travel Log Gone to Texas Skit Rubric "Old 300"in the Handbook of TexasRepublic of Texas in The Handbook of TexasHandbook of Texas Online Anglo American TexansTips from the Teacher!Photos of TJR Art students making sets and costumes, and performing their Father of Texas History Presentation Elementary School Resources: •   Collection of books for 4th grade reading(PDF)

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