Summary & Background

Summary:

In this unit, we will be covering the history that led to La Lomita. Why La Lomita’s history is important to the community? What can we learn from the individuals, events and ideas that shape the community? The students will be using inquiry-based instruction approach by conducting a timeline where they will be putting dates and facts in order from La Lomita’s history. Students will be writing down the times in different cards and pasting them on construction paper. At the end, we will be going over the dates in order to make sure the students understand the concept. Throughout this unit, students will also be learning about important people that led to La Lomita’s history, so we will be presenting a powerpoint discussing the several people involved. After going over the powerpoint in class, students will be doing a paper bag activity where they will be coloring, cutting, and pasting different people involved in La Lomita’s history on a paper bag. In the back of the bag, students will be explaining the person and its contribution to La Lomita. After this activity, students will be presenting their activity and sharing what they wrote for that specific individual. Lastly, we will be comparing the past and present of La Lomita. We will be looking at different photographs and observing their differences and how it has changed over time. Through this activity, students will be creating a cause and effect booklet by doing research in groups of four with the help of the teacher. By doing so, they will be able to understand the causes that led to significant situations in La Lomita’s history. This elementary lesson will be aligned with the 3rd grade Social Studies standards listed in the TEKS. We will be using pictures and important documents that have been authenticated by the UTRGV Special Collections & Archives.

Background:

This lesson will also give them understanding on the difference between the past and present of the La Lomita and how these changes over time have shaped Mission. La Lomita has gone through many changes since it originated, some which have had a great impact in its town. One of the main reasons why this landmark is so important is because it gave Mission it’s city name. La Lomita property was willed to the Oblate Fathers by Rene Guyard in 1861. Later, in 1865, the priests built a small chapel and a living space to serve as stop-over for their horseback circuit. The Oblates would also use the land to raise cattle and crops. As years passed, the property began to add more buildings, this led to La Lomita to be considered a small town by many. Now in days only a couple of the original building are standing and are visiting sites for tourist, this includes the chapel and the remains of what was once served as an asylum. The chapel is considered a landmark and is open to the public. The chapel has been used for many traditional celebrations throughout the years. La Lomita plays an important part on the development of Mission, TX and its history should be taught to the students.