In this lesson, students will write a letter to a member of the current Texas Congress, modeled on the letters of K.H. Douglas, copies of which can be found on the TIDES site. These letters should contain accurate historical information and a variety of questions about the member of Congress. This activity will help the students understand the importance of voluntary individual participation in the democratic process while exposing them to historic primary sources.
Created by Rhonda Williams, 2004
The student will apply absolute and relative chronology through the sequencing of significant individuals, events, and time periods related to the history of the Texas Republic. TEKS §113.23. Social Studies, Grade 7. (b)(1)(B)
The student will identify individuals, events, and issues during the Republic of Texas and early Texas statehood by examining several letters of K.H. Douglass. TEKS §113.23. Social Studies, Grade 7. (b)(4)(A)
The student will identify the leadership qualities of past elected leaders of Texas, such as K.H. Douglass. TEKS §113.23. Social Studies, Grade 7. (b)18)(A,B)
The student will differentiate between, locate, and use primary and secondary sources, such as biographies from the Handbook of Texas, and written documents, such as contemporary letters, to acquire information about life in the Texas Republic. TEKS §113.23. Social Studies, Grade 7. (b)(21)(A)
The student will analyze information from these sources by sequencing, categorizing, identifying cause-and-effect relationships, comparing, contrasting, finding the main idea, summarizing, making generalizations, and drawing inferences and conclusions. TEKS §113.23. Social Studies, Grade 7. (b)(21)(B)
The student will identify points of view from the historical context surrounding an event and the frame of reference that influenced K.H. Douglass using biographies, textbook information, and his own words from primary documents. TEKS §113.23. Social Studies, Grade 7. (b)(21)(D)
The student will search for bias in the contemporary letters and examine the validity of the source based on language, corroboration with other sources, and information about the authors and subjects. TEKS §113.23. Social Studies, Grade 7. (b)(21)(F,G)
The student will create a document, using social studies material, by writing a letter to a member of the current Texas Congress, based on research and experiences, incorporating main and supporting ideas, using social studies terminology correctly, and using standard grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation. TEKS §113.23. Social Studies, Grade 7. (b)(22)(A,D)
This lesson is to be used as an extension of the material that has already been taught about the Republic of Texas.
Have students brainstorm about methods of communication that existed in Texas in the 1830s, leading them to understand that handwritten letters were the major means of communication.
Using biographies available from the Handbook of Texas, the East Texas Research Center website, or your textbook, introduce K.H. Douglass to the students.
Place K.H. Douglass' letter to his wife Manerva, of August 27, 1837, on the computer screen and projector. Pass out Document Analysis Sheet # 1. Read the transcript of this letter aloud with students. Have students complete Document Analysis Sheet # 1. Discuss answers with students.
Place the letter from K.H. Douglass to his wife Manerva, of September 4, 1837, on the computer screen and projector. Pass out Document Analysis Sheet # 2. Read the transcript of this letter aloud with students. Have students complete Document Analysis Sheet # 2. Discuss answers with students.
Place the letter from K.H. Douglass to his wife Manerva, of October 15, 1837, on the computer screen and projector. Pass out Document Analysis Sheet # 3. Read the transcript of this letter aloud with students. Have students complete Document Analysis Sheet # 3. Discuss answers with students.
Based on Douglass' letters, make a list of his personal and professional interests and worries.
Write the following assignment on a PowerPoint slide [overhead transparency, chalkboard, etc.]:
Write a letter to a member of the current Texas Congress, modeled on the letters of K.H. Douglass. Names and addresses are available on the State of Texas website. Suggestions for content:
- Explain that you have been studying the first Texas Congress, including reading letters written by a member of the Congress home to his wife. Tell your member of Congress about K.H. Douglass and his time in Congress.
- Ask about his/her experience as a member of Congress.
- Ask questions about his/her profession. [Remember that Congress meets for several months every other year, so most members of Congress have a profession outside the legislature.]
- Ask about his/her family. Describe your family.
- Ask why he/she wanted to be in Congress.
- Ask any question that interests you.
The letter should contain accurate historical information, so use your textbook and your Document Analysis Sheet for background. This assignment must be in letter form. It should be approximately 2 pages long. Your grade will be based both on accurate content and on the use of Standard English grammar. Be as neat as possible.
