Two Trustworthy Texans

Grades: 
6, 7, 8

The learners read about two very different Texas pioneers - William Goyens and Mary Maverick - and identify how they earned the trust of others.

Duration 
PrintOne 20-minute lesson
Objectives 

The learner will:

  • read an essay about a Texas pioneer.
  • identify the traits of trustworthiness in a historical person.
Materials 

copies of the handout below Two Trustworthy Texans

Instructions

Print
  1. Anticipatory Set

    Write these words on the board: loyalty, honesty, good reputation, and courage to do the right thing. Tell the learners they are going to read about two individuals in Texas history and identify which of these traits they exhibited.

  2. The learners may choose one of the essays to read and write about in the handout Two Trustworthy Texans.

  3. Ask two of the learners to give a summary of the famous Texan they read about. Discuss the questions on the handout together. Compare and contrast the examples of trustworthiness in the two essays.

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
    1. Standard DP 01. Define Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.4 Give examples of how individuals have helped others.
    2. Standard DP 02. Roles of Government, Business, and Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.3 Describe the "social contract" and the changing roles of civil society and government in meeting this "contract."
  2. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 01. Self, citizenship, and society
      1. Benchmark MS.1 Define the phrase <i>community/social capital</i> and discuss how it relates to all communities.
      2. Benchmark MS.4 Describe the characteristics of someone who helps others.
    2. Standard PCS 02. Diverse Cultures
      1. Benchmark MS.3 Give an example of how philanthropy can transcend cultures.
      2. Benchmark MS.5 Discuss examples of groups denied their rights in history.