Symbols

A symbol is an object, picture, written word, sound, piece of music, or particular mark that represents something else. It can stand for a word, an idea, a concept, or a place.

Examples:

is the symbol for CAUTION!

Our national anthem is a symbol of the U.S.A.

Symbols

What are some symbols you can think of that represent Texas?

www.va.gov

www.teacheroz.com www.world-flags-symbols.com

www.firedupmissouri.com

daphne.palomar.edu

ilovethisworld.com

www.ssmrocks.com

www.fws.gov

www.richard-seaman.com

Symbols

In pairs, pick any symbol from the Official Symbols of Texas list and answer the following questions together in complete sentences on a sheet of notebook paper (write your names/period on top left hand side + number and write each question): 1. Why do you think your symbol is used to officially represent

Texas?

2. How is your symbol “culturally and historically important” to Texas? (Texas Legislature, 1991)

3. Does your symbol represent all of Texas, or just a part of it? Describe which parts of Texas it applies to (if not all of it).

4. Is your symbol unique to Texas (meaning it only applies to Texas) and how is it unique?

Stereotype

Definition: A stereotype is a belief about an individual or a group based on the idea that everyone in a particular group will act the same way.

–www.Merriam-Webster.com/dictionary

When we stereotype a group of people, we view all of the individuals within that group as having the same characteristics.

What are some examples of stereotypes?

Stereotypes

Why do we stereotype? Is it helpful or necessary? What are some emotions involved in stereotyping? What role does stereotyping play in history? Brainstorm some common stereotypes of Texas or Texans (write them under your question answers).

What Texas Is…Is Not

On the paper you wrote your questions and answers, brainstorm and list some ideas of what present day Texas IS, and what present day Texas IS NOT (based on common stereotypes).Once you have your brainstorm list, fold the paper I give you widthwise (hamburger style).Label the top half “What Texas Is…” and the bottom half, “What Texas Is Not”.Draw a picture/scene to represent your ideas of what Texas IS on the top half and what Texas IS NOT (on the bottom half). Make your drawings colorful! Use the colored pencils/markers located on the student materials bookshelf.

What Texas Is/Is Not Rubric

You will be graded on a scale of 1-4: Content: understanding of the term stereotype is present, clear, and correct. Creativity: colorful, stylized, etc. Effort: did you put some obvious time and effort into this assignment? Neatness: no scribbles or eraser marks; neatness counts.

Re-read the quote from the warm up:

“Stereotypes are devices for saving a biased person the trouble of learning.”

- Anonymous

On your paper, write a 3-4 sentence conclusion to your thoughts. Has your opinion changed from the beginning? If so, how and if not, why?

Closing Activity

• Due NEXT CLASS: (Friday, 8-27) Last call for these items: 1. SIGNED Parent letter, Syllabus, etc. 2. Texas History textbook 3. Texas History notebook and divider pages Finish “What Texas IS/is NOT” assignment.

Homework