TBH Lesson Plan
Lesson title: The French in Texas
Subject: Texas History & English Language Arts and Reading
Grade Level: 4
Rationale: This lesson will give students a broad understanding of early French exploration and settlement in Texas.
Materials:
- Transparency of “French Settlement in Texas Questions*” (pdf, 42k)
- Student copies of “La Salle and Fort St. Louis Research and Writing Directions*” (pdf, 42k)
- Overhead transparencies of “Class Participation*” (pdf, 4k) and “Journal Entry*” (pdf, 5k) rubrics
- Student copies of “The French in Texas - Researching Notes*” (pdf, 6k)
- Internet access to the following websites:
- Notebook paper, pencils, colored pencils, and/or crayons
- Student copies of “French Settlement in Texas Test*” (pdf, 5k)
Lesson Duration: 2-3 class periods
Objectives:
- Social Studies 113.6 (2A), summarize reasons for European exploration and settlement of Texas and the Western Hemisphere
- Social Studies 113.6 (2B), identify the accomplishments of significant explorers such as Rene Robert Cavelier, Sieur de la Salle and explain their impact on the settlement of Texas
- Social Studies 113.6 (11A), identify the economic motivations for European exploration and settlement in Texas
- Social Studies 113.6 (22A), differentiate between, locate, and use primary and secondary sources such as computer software; interviews; biographies, oral, print, and visual material; and artifacts to acquire information about the United States and Texas; and
- Social Studies 113.6 (23D) create written and visual material such as journal entries
- English Language Arts and Reading 110.6 (10A) use his/her own knowledge and experience to comprehend
- English Language Arts and Reading 110.6 (10C) monitor his/her own comprehension and make modifications when understanding breaks down such as by rereading a portion aloud, using reference aids, searching for clues, and asking questions;
- English Language Arts and Reading 110.6 (10E) use the text's structure or progression of ideas such as cause and effect or chronology to locate and recall information;
- English Language Arts and Reading 110.6 (10I) find similarities and differences across texts such as in treatment, scope, or organization;
- English Language Arts and Reading 110.6 (11B) interpret text ideas through such varied means as journal writing, discussion, enactment, media;
- English Language Arts and Reading 110.6 (13D) interpret and use graphic sources of information such as maps, graphs, timelines, tables, and diagrams to address research questions.
Activities:
Step 1: Display “French Settlement in Texas Questions” on the overhead projector. Have students number a sheet of notebook paper from 1-10. Read the 10 statements aloud to students and have them write T for true or F for false by the statement’s corresponding number on their paper. When they finish, let them know that they will be learning the answers to these questions over the next two days.
Step 2: Give each student a copy of “La Salle and Fort St. Louis” research and writing directions and read it aloud with students.
Step 3: Display the two grading rubrics and go over them with students before they begin their research. Post hard copies of the rubrics in the classroom for student reference.
Step 4: Distribute copies of “The French in Texas - Researching Notes.” Have students work with research partners to view the assigned websites and take notes.
Step 5: Using their notes, students will work alone or with a partner to create an illustrated journal with several entries. Step 6: Students will answer questions on the “French Settlement in Texas Test”
Student Products:
- Research notes
- A journal entry from the point of view of a Karankawa who battled the French settlers of Fort St. Louis, a French person who accompanied La Salle on his journeys, or a Spanish explorer who discovered the remnants of Fort St. Louis after the French had left.
- A 10 question test on the lessons initial questions
Closure: Volunteers may share their journal entries with the class.
Modifications:
- For students who need the structure, a graphic organizer may be provided to help in their research.
- Journal entries may be typed in a word-processing program or hand written. For students who have difficulty with written work, a visual journal (similar to a comic strip) may be created.
Assessment or Evaluation: Have students take “French Settlement in Texas Test” after finishing all other activities.
Extensions:
- Students may create a PowerPoint presentation about La Salle and Fort St. Louis.
- Students can research other explorers and write journal entries about their experiences.
- Students may work together to create a mural showing what happened with La Salle and the French at Fort St. Louis.
Mary Janecek-Friedman
Cypress Elementary School
Leander ISD, Leander Texas
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