California: Becoming a State

California's journey to statehood was fraught with change. First, it was ruled by Spain. Then, it became a part of Mexico. The United States finally claimed it in 1848 after winning the war against Mexico. This primary source reader 6-pack integrates literacy and social studies content knowledge, and uses maps, letters, images, and photographs to engage students and ignite their curiosity about historical events. Primary source documents prompt students to ask questions and encourage students to consider bias and the validity and reliability of sources, helping them achieve literacy in social studies. Aligned to the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) and other national and state standards, the book is leveled to support above-, below-, and on-level learners. Essential text features include a glossary, index, captions, sidebars, and table of contents to increase understanding and build academic vocabulary. The Create It! culminating activity provides an opportunity for assessment that challenges students to apply what they have learned in an interactive way, and the Your Turn! activity challenges students to connect to a primary source through a writing activity. Explore California's rich history with this intriguing grade 4 book!