Remember the Alamo! Why?

OVERVIEW

Students will discuss what the Alamo symbolizes.

SKILL

Students will participate in a group discussion, and some students will practice giving brief reports.

PROCEDURE

1. "A symbol stands for something else, such as the flying red horse means Mobil Gas or a turkey often represents Thanksgiving. It’s a metaphor. We use symbols in advertising to convey a message."

Using old magazines or as homework, have students find an example of a symbol. Go around the room taking examples of symbols and the message each conveys.

2."The Alamo has become a state and national symbol. What does it stand for? What message does the Alamo as a symbol convey now? What message did it convey in 1836?"

3. Have students in groups of three discuss the Alamo as a symbol and the message it conveys now and in 1836.

4. Then have the person with the longest last name in each group stand and briefly tell about the Alamo today as a symbol and the message as discussed in his/her group.

5. Have the person with the shortest last name in each group stand and briefly tell about the Alamo as a symbol and its meaning in 1836 as discussed in his/her group.

6. "What would be the message of the Alamo as a symbol in 1836 if you were Santa Anna, if your Texas father had died there?"

7. "Why do people from all around the world come to visit the Alamo shrine?"

8. "Are there any other sites in the United States or the world that have similar meanings?"