Make It Your Mission
Spanish missions are distinctive features of South and Southwestern
United States. Easter time is a good time to discover these historic
structures.
CONNECT:
- Read about the role of Spanish missions in US history at https://www.history.com/topics/religion/california-missions
- See how Spanish missions were built: http://www.designing-america.com/contenido/the-spanish-missions-in-the-united-states/?lang=en
- Read about the cultures of Texas missions at https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/its02
- Remember the Alamo! At https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTCcnbzSMc8
CREATE:
- Sing about missions with these songs set to familiar songs: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/songs.htm
- Use games to teach about missionaries: https://oureverydaylife.com/childrens-games-to-teach-about-missionaries-12083036.html
- Use a map to virtually walk on the California Missions Trail: https://www.visitcalifornia.com/feature/california-missions
- Try living in a mission with these activities: https://education.texashistory.unt.edu/lessons/notebook/SpanishMission/docs/Mission_PlacardC_J.pdf
CARE:
- You can use crafts to remind the family about missionary work and caring for others at https://www.ehow.com/info_8170549_missionary-crafts-kids.html
- How were people cared for in mission times? It depends on whom you ask. Here is an indigenous perspective: https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/its02
- Read how the National Park Service is trying to preserve historic Spanish Colonial missions: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/travelspanishmissions/architecture-and-preservation.htm
- Many missions were made of adobe clay; here is how to maintain it: https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/5-adobe-buildings.htm
CAREERS:
Want to make it your mission to work on missions? You can be an
historian, a preservationist, an archeologist, an anthropologist, a park
ranger, an architect, a photographer or artist, a landscaper, a writer, or even
a religious member. Get inspired from the possibilities.
