Your next great Lessn starts here.

Exploring Historical Figures: Davy Crockett – What is a Historical Figure? Someone who did important things in the past. – Importance of learning history Helps us understand how the world we live in came to be. – Introducing Davy Crockett Davy Crockett was a famous frontiersman and politician. – Why Davy Crockett is notable He’s remembered for his adventures and bravery. | This slide introduces the concept of historical figures to third-grade students, emphasizing their significance in shaping our world. It’s crucial to explain that historical figures like Davy Crockett played a pivotal role in the history of the United States. Crockett was known for his larger-than-life personality, his coonskin cap, and his role in the Texas Revolution, particularly the Battle of the Alamo. The aim is to spark curiosity about Crockett’s life and the impact he had on American history. Encourage students to think about what qualities make someone memorable in history and to consider how stories from the past can inspire us today.

Who Was Davy Crockett? – Davy Crockett: frontiersman – A frontiersman is someone who explores or lives on the frontier. – Known as ‘King of the Wild Frontier’ – This nickname reflects his legendary status. – Crockett’s adventures – His exciting life included many adventures. – A folk hero in American history – People admire him for his bravery and wilderness skills. | Davy Crockett was a celebrated 19th-century American figure known for his exploits as a frontiersman, soldier, and politician. His larger-than-life persona earned him the title ‘King of the Wild Frontier.’ Crockett’s adventures, including his participation in the Texas Revolution and his stand at the Alamo, contributed to his status as a folk hero. When discussing Crockett, emphasize his skills as a hunter and his reputation for storytelling. His life story, filled with adventure and bravery, has been passed down through generations and remains a significant part of American folklore. Encourage students to think about what qualities make someone a hero in their eyes.

Early Life of Davy Crockett – Born August 17, 1786, in Tennessee – Davy Crockett was born in the wilderness of Tennessee, which was a new frontier at the time. – Grew up learning to hunt in the woods – Hunting was an important skill for survival and Davy became very good at it. – Family moved often for a better life – The Crockett family sought prosperity and moved frequently. | This slide introduces students to the early years of Davy Crockett, an American folk hero and frontiersman. Emphasize his humble beginnings in Tennessee and how his upbringing in the woods contributed to his legendary hunting skills. Discuss the challenges faced by frontier families like the Crocketts, who often moved to find better living conditions. This sets the stage for understanding Crockett’s later life and how his childhood experiences shaped his character and future accomplishments. Encourage students to think about how their own experiences might influence their future.

The Adventures of Davy Crockett – Davy’s larger-than-life stories – Davy Crockett was known for telling big, exciting stories about his life. – Crockett’s journey to Texas – He traveled to Texas to help in a big fight for independence. – Fighting in the Texas Revolution – Davy and others fought bravely in a war to make Texas free. – Heroism at the Alamo battle – At the Alamo, Davy Crockett fought very bravely and became a famous hero. | Introduce Davy Crockett as a legendary American figure known for his exciting adventures and tall tales. Explain that he went to Texas to assist in the Texas Revolution, a significant historical event where Texas fought for independence from Mexico. Highlight his role in the famous battle at the Alamo, where he and other defenders fought courageously and Crockett’s bravery made him a hero. Use this slide to inspire students with the adventurous spirit of historical figures and to understand the importance of individual contributions to significant historical events.

Davy Crockett: His Political Journey – Crockett the Tennessee Legislator – Served in Tennessee’s government, making laws. – Crockett in the U.S. House – Elected to national government to represent Tennessee. – Champion of People’s Rights – Worked to protect the rights of people in America. – Advocate for Land Ownership – Helped people own the land they lived on. | Davy Crockett was not just a frontiersman; he was also a dedicated politician. He served as a legislator in Tennessee, where he helped to make important laws for the state. Later, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented the interests of Tennesseans at the national level. Crockett was known for fighting for the rights of his constituents, particularly when it came to land ownership, which was a critical issue for many Americans at the time. When discussing Crockett’s political contributions, emphasize his commitment to the people and how he used his position to help them. Encourage students to think about how elected officials today work to represent the people’s interests.

The Legacy of Davy Crockett – Symbol of American bravery – Davy Crockett is celebrated for his boldness and spirit of freedom. – Inspired books and films – Stories of his life have been told in many books, movies, and even a TV show. – TV series about his adventures – The show ‘Davy Crockett’ shared his exciting tales with the world. – His story teaches courage – Davy’s life encourages us to be brave and stand for what we believe is right. | Davy Crockett remains an important figure in American history, symbolizing the country’s values of bravery and independence. His adventurous life has been the subject of numerous books, movies, and a popular television series, which have helped to immortalize his legacy. When discussing Crockett with third graders, emphasize the qualities that made him a hero and how his story inspires us to be courageous and to stand up for our principles. Encourage students to think about ways they can demonstrate bravery in their own lives, just like Davy Crockett did.

Class Activity: Be Like Davy! – Act out Davy Crockett’s life – Craft your own coonskin cap – Use paper, fabric, or other craft supplies to make the hat – Discuss being Davy for a day – Imagine Davy’s adventures and choices – Share what you’ve learned | This slide introduces a hands-on activity where students will engage in role-play to act out scenes from Davy Crockett’s life, fostering a deeper connection with historical figures. Provide guidance on significant events from Davy’s life for the role-play. For crafting coonskin caps, prepare a simple template and materials beforehand. During the discussion, prompt students to think critically about the decisions Davy made and encourage them to share their thoughts on what they would do in his shoes. This activity will help students develop empathy and understanding of historical contexts. Possible role-play scenes include Davy’s time in Congress, his adventures as a frontiersman, or his participation at the Alamo. For the coonskin caps, have examples ready and assist students as needed. Ensure the discussion is guided but allows for creative thinking.