Free Texas History Resources: How I’m Building Our Texas History Curriculum
When it comes to Texas history, the journey often takes unexpected twists and turns. As a homeschooling family of four in our eighth year, we’re diving into Texas history for the 2024–2025 school year. With a seventh grader and a third grader, I’ve had the opportunity to explore and adapt resources to create a curriculum that works for us. Today, I’m sharing how I’m building our Texas history curriculum using free Texas history resources and other engaging tools.
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The Challenges of Finding Texas History Resources
If you’ve ever tackled state history in your homeschool, you know it can be challenging to find resources that align with your values and educational goals. Public schools in Texas typically teach Texas history in fourth and seventh grades, but homeschooling allows for flexibility. Since my youngest joins my oldest for history lessons, we’ve already gone through a round of Texas history. However, this year, I wanted to revisit it with a fresh perspective and better resources.
In the past, I used Studies Weekly for state history, but recent decisions by the publisher made it an option I can no longer recommend. That left me searching for new, free Texas history resources to build a framework for our curriculum.
Free Texas History Resources I’m Using
One of the most invaluable tools I’ve found is Free Fun Texas History. This resource offers materials covering topics like early indigenous peoples, Texas’s journey to statehood, and more. The website includes worksheets, flashcards, and even field trip suggestions to make history come alive for learners.
Although Free Fun Texas History is a great starting point, I’ve noticed that it doesn’t dive deeply into the rich history of indigenous peoples in Texas. This inspired me to branch out and find additional materials to create a well-rounded curriculum.
Digging Deeper Into Texas’s Indigenous History
For the bulk of this fall, we’ve focused on the indigenous peoples of Texas. Numerous Native American tribes lived in Texas, and many have left a lasting legacy that deserves deeper exploration. We’ve been searching for YouTube videos, visiting museums, and incorporating resources that highlight these communities.
Here are some of the free Texas history resources and activities we’ve been using:
- Museum Visits: We’re lucky to live near Houston, home to incredible museums like the Sam Houston Historical Society. Their partnership with the Karankawa tribe includes exhibits that dispel stereotypes and provide accurate historical context.
- Field Trips: State parks with Spanish missions offer a tangible way to connect with history. These visits help bring lessons to life and allow kids to experience history firsthand.
- Local Gems: The restaurant “Taste of Texas” doubles as a mini Texas history museum. The owners host free educational events for 4th graders, offering a unique way to learn about Texas history.
Creating a Living Texas History Curriculum
While I don’t consider myself someone who creates curriculum from scratch, I’ve found it rewarding to branch out and use free Texas history resources as a foundation. By layering additional materials like books, museum trips, and videos, I’ve turned our Texas history study into an engaging, living curriculum.
For example, we’ve read books like Voices of the Alamo and Susanna of the Alamo to add depth to our understanding of key historical events. Podcasts like Texas Standard’s History Minute provide short, digestible segments perfect for busy days.
Free Fun Texas History Karankawa Exhibit Texas Missions TX History Playlist TX History Podcast
Building a Framework That Works
Free Fun Texas History has been an excellent framework for this curriculum. Its organized structure has given me the confidence to branch out and explore topics like Native American history and Spanish explorers. By starting with a strong foundation, I can adapt the curriculum to fit my children’s learning styles and interests.
If you’re looking for free Texas history resources, don’t be afraid to experiment. Whether you’re in Texas or another state, there are likely similar resources available for your own state history studies.
Conclusion
Texas history may not be going as planned, but it’s shaping up to be one of our most exciting and rewarding subjects this year. Free Texas history resources like Free Fun Texas History, local museums, and creative field trips have allowed us to explore the subject in a way that feels fresh and engaging.
By stepping outside my comfort zone and tailoring resources to our needs, I’ve built a Texas history curriculum that excites my kids and brings history to life. If you’re starting your own journey into Texas history or state history, I hope these ideas inspire you to make it your own.
