Understanding the rich history, geography, and culture of a place is essential for students to build respect and curiosity towards their own surroundings. One such place deserving attention is McAllen, Texas. Educators can give their students an education beyond the textbooks by providing comprehensive lessons about this fascinating city. In this article, we will explore practical tips and resources for teaching students about McAllen, Texas.

A Brief History of McAllen:

Begin by providing students with a brief history lesson on McAllen. Founded in 1904, this once small ranching town has now become one of the Lone Star State’s most dynamic cities. Inform students about how the city experienced robust growth due to the development of the St. Louis, Brownsville, and Mexico Railway and the discovery of oil in the region. Emphasize that understanding McAllen’s past will help students comprehend its present demographics and infrastructure.

Geography:

Dive into the geography of McAllen by highlighting its location in Hidalgo County at the southern tip of Texas. Discuss how it shares a border with Mexico and sits in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. Explain how these geographical features have influenced McAllen’s economy, culture, and politics over the years.

Climate:

Make sure to touch upon McAllen’s subtropical climate, as it is an important aspect of life in this city. Explain that it experiences hot summers, mild winters, and occasional rainfall throughout the year. This unique climate supports an array of wildlife native to the area.

Economy:

Moving on to McAllen’s economy, explain to your students how agriculture has traditionally played a vital role in its development – particularly citrus fruits and vegetables. However, since the introduction of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) in 1994, trade with Mexico has flourished further bolstering McAllen’s economy. The city has also seen a growth in healthcare, retail, and manufacturing sectors in recent years.

Diversity and Culture:

McAllen boasts a diverse population with deep cultural ties to Mexico. To showcase this, integrate authentic Mexican-American experiences like Dia de Los Muertos celebrations or Mexican cuisine tastings. Emphasize the cultural diversity of the city by encouraging your students to attend local events such as The McAllen International CarFest and Quinta Mazatlan’s Valley Land Fund Wildlife Photo Contest.

Natural Attractions and Wildlife:

Teach your students about the various natural attractions around McAllen, such as the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge and Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center. Encourage them to learn about the unique flora and fauna in these sites, like the Green Jay or Ocelot, species native to the Rio Grande Valley.