A unique publication for grades 4-7A revolutionary concept: My California 21 is a unique history curriculum developed specifically to meet the needs of upper elementary and middle school students.Newspaper format: 32 chronological issues resembling small newspapers present the story of California in a student-friendly, informal style that does not intimidate or repel young readers. History in their hands: In My California events are seen as living and potentially life-changing experiences from which we can all learn. The people whose experiences and decisions changed our state and nation also come to life. Their story is told as it happened. 4th to 7th grade: My California meets key curriculum criteria and may be used as a complete California history at 4th grade or a valuable curriculum supplement to a California history textbook at higher grades. Generally one issue is studied per week. Fascinating reading for education, travel, and fun: My California makes a delightful yet valuable contribution to any student's knowledge of our Golden State. Robert C. Law, Author and Publisher | My California 21 is...A Weekly Newspaper: 32 issues of valuable information about California history, geography, people, agriculture, industry, government, climate, and much more.A Textbook in Periodical Format: A chronologically structured, organized presentation with index, vocabulary, and discussion topics. A Curriculum in Disguise: A thorough study of our state for students in upper elementary grades supported by an extensive teacher's manual loaded with helps, activities, maps, copy masters, student responses, and additional testing opportunities. A Supplement at Higher Grades: Use to put life into textbooks at middle-school grades. Readily adapts to any chronological text. A Reference and Travel Companion: Assembled together in a flexible binding, the "Library Edition" provides the text in book form. Use as a library resource or to stimulate and educate youth (and parents!) as you travel. A Reader: An effective means of developing reading skills while engaging in an interesting and informative study of California history and geography. Activity Sheets: A versatile collection of student activities, projects, and exercises useful alone or in conjunction with many classes and subjects at 4th through 7th grades. |
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| 1 | 1000-1521 | This issue introduces our study and defines and locates California. There are three primary objectives:
| 2 | 1521-1542 | American Indians were California's first inhabitants. Our principle objective here is to acquaint the students with these first Americans and to understand a few constructive principles of ethnic origins.
One popular term for this is culture. We introduce that term and study something of its meaning. This will be expanded in future issues to a broader appreciation of cultural differences and customs and to other races and people groups.
| 3 | 1542-1579 | We begin with a brief study of Cabrillo and his journey up the California coast, but our primary focus is on the Indians of our state. We also learn about ocean currents and their affect on exploration and trade.
| 4 | 1579-1602 |
We focus on the first serious coastal exploration and the pursuit of the Northwest Passage. Drake's claim to "Nova Albion" is defined as we examine why early explorers so grossly underestimated the size of the North American continent. The role of piracy in history is also introduced.
| 5 | 1602-1700 |
While continuing the California story, the primary objective of this issue is map literacy. The copy master resource map mosaic at the end of this section corresponds and correlates with that on the center spread of the issue. Map reading skills are also taught.
| 6 | 1700-1736 | For an incredible 167 years there is virtually nothing to say about California's history. Between the time of the first colony in Virginia and the beginnings of the Revolutionary war, all that happened here (that we know about) was an occasional sailing down our coast. Picture that lonely Manila Galleon once a year sailing down our shore!
| 7 | 1736-1769 | Using the search for silver in northern Mexico and Arizona as our link to geography, we focus on that subject. The main geographic features of California are discussed and displayed on a state map included.
| 8 | 1769-1775 |
The primary elements of this period are the founding of the California mission chain and the discovery of San Francisco Bay. In beginning the mission study, we start a journey through 23 missions in our state and will plot 21 of them along El Camino Real.
| 9 | 1775-1781 |
Mission planting continues. Five had been started by 1775 and now we add three more. But there is an even greater story being played out. California is just coming into its being as a new nation is being born 3000 miles away. We want to look closely at concurrent and consecutive events and define "cause and effect."
| 10 | 1781-1803 |
We conclude the overall study of the California missions and their functions. The transition from mission colonies to communities and civil government is now beginning.
| 11 | 1803-1812 |
The first serious evidence of American influence on and imminent interest in California appears in three forms:
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12 | 1812-1818 | The last years of Spain's dominion in North America are at hand. As their influence begins to wane, Russia n influence begins to appear. American interest in California is growing and will soon precipitate enormous change.
Travel to California was a growing issue. How better to bring people and goods than the long, long voyage around South America?
| 13 | 1818-1826 |
As Mexico achieves independence, America's interest in California is growing. Mountain men are trekking deep into the western wilds and one is about to emerge in California!
| 14 | 1826-1834 |
In many respects this is the turning point in our study. Until now we have experienced California history dominated by events in Spain and Mexico. Now the pendulum swings to the United States When the first mountain men encroached on New Spain from the east, they began opening the window of opportunity for thousands more to follow. Here we meet these remarkable adventurers personified most impressively in one Jedediah Smith.
| 15 | 1834-1836 |
With the end (secularization) of the missions comes a radical change in California life. What is to become of them? Who should own the land once the property of the Church?
Distribution of mission property is done in land grants but not to those for whom it was originally intended. We study these grants and the diseņos that defined them.
| 16 | 1836-1843 | Jed Smith had proven the ability of mountain men to traverse the plains and mountains to California, but what about ordinary citizens? When the first female emigrants made it to Washington in 1836, courageous pioneers throughout the eastern states were convinced they too could make it safely to their land of opportunity.
| 17 | 1843-1846 |
While California was yet fully a part of Mexico, an invasion of Americans was well underway. Conflicting views surround the mission and the unique, controversial figure, John C. Fremont. We will not focus on the controversy, but the events as we near the entrance of California into the American union.
In this context, we meet the remarkable California emigrants.
| 18 | 1846-1848 | Within a three year span, California went from a state in Mexico to a Republic, to a state of the United States. We may wonder why and how this happened. We explore some of the explanation.
| 19 | 1848-1850 |
The gold discovery of 1848 would forever change California and the nation. Tens of thousands now came to seek their fortunes in the mines and placers of the Mother Lode.
What is gold? Why is it valuable? What happened to those who came? How did this change our state's history in this pivotal period? These are some of the questions studied here.
| 20 | 1850-1861 | While many Californians were more interested in gold than government, there were still enough focussed on the latter to rejoice when California became the 31st U.S. state. It was also America's most rapidly growing as thousands emigrated each year. California needed a railroad!
| 21 | 1861-1869 |
The Civil War was not a major California experience. It didn't alter lives here except as it did those with deep personal sympathies. Yet it did affect California; it did make changes in our state. Now we look at those effects and expand our focus to include secondary effects as well.
| 22 | 1869-1879 |
The second lesson in this issue pronounces the theme: "Beginning a new age." Following the Civil War California, like the rest of the nation, entered a new age punctuated by the railroad. We study the westward progression of rails and the towns that were situated along them.
| 23 | 1879-1892 |
The California Constitution of 1849 was only suitable as a temporary document and by the 1870's pressure had mounted to prepare a new and more enduring one. Our Constitution of 1879 was the result and remains the basis of law in our state to this day. We briefly study the enactment of this constitution, a few of the laws it incorporates, and the overall structure of government in California.
| 24 | 1892-1906 | We enter the 20th century much as we enter the 21st, with uncertainty but promise. In a few short years tremendous changes take shape. Much of this stems from technology: electric light and power, automobiles, airplanes, motion pictures... but what about our resources? What about conservation?
| 25 | 1906-1910 |
Earthquakes pose California's greatest natural threat. The worst in our history is the one referred to here. But many great ones have occurred before and since.
If you are in an earthquake prone area, as most Californians are, teaching this subject to your students is especially important. This is not to raise their fears, but to prepare them for the eventuality.
| 26 | 1910-1923 |
Here we feature two primary topics 1.Oil and the automobile, and 2. Weather and climate.
While the presence of oil in California had been known for long, it was Lakeview #1 in Maricopa that literally blew it to prominence. Of course it was the advent of the automobile that gave this discovery its greatest significance.
In our second emphasis we study the climate of California and what makes weather different.
| 27 | 1923-1935 |
The bulk of this issue is devoted to one of California's most important topics: Water. Hetch Hetchy was not California's first major dam, but it was the first to create a major resource and environmental issue at the same time. Some say Hetch Hetchy killed John Muir. He had been opposed to it and was terribly disappointed when it was built.
| 28 | 1935-1941 |
The depression and the dust bowl were terrible experiences for our country, but they strengthened our nation in the long run and contributed to California's growth. We look at each and how our state was changed. One of the most significant areas of change was in agriculture. Farms and farmers prospered as clouds of war approached.
| 29 | 1941-1963 |
We're coming close to now! Hopefully your class is here too. For you, this issue may include your childhood. It opens with the "Day that shall live in infamy..." (Franklin Delano Roosevelt) and continues to the beginnings of the Civil Rights era.
| 30 | 1963-1976 |
"I have a dream..." echoes through this issue as we begin it with the study of civil rights, discrimination, and the effects of years of racial and ethnic injustices. How do we correct past abuses? How to we prevent future abuses? How do we become a more truly united people?
The issue continues with a focus on California in the space age and our industries.
| 31 | 1976-NOW |
This next to the last issue brings us up to press date. Two hundred years of the United States as a nation set our sights on another two hundred years! They also remind us that California;s sesquicentennial is in 2000.
| 32 | EXTRA |
32 issues and 500 years later, we conclude our study looking to the future. Where will the 21st century take the Golden State? The answers are in her people, especially her youth.
In closing, we view the pioneering role that remains and we examine truths that we must understand if we are to find our way through the wilderness that is yet ahead. Yes, the end of our study is but a part of the journey's beginning for those who have studied it!
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FOR A LIMITED TIME:The first edition of My California (now in its fourth printing) is available on a special internet price offer at as much as 25% less than My California 21 published prices.About the 1st Edition: This edition has been updated several times and remains viable and contemporary, but has now been replaced by My California 21, the 21st Century Edition, which contains many improvements as well as cosmetic changes. These changes are listed at right. Ample supplies of the first edition presently remain and samples will be supplied by request here. FOR SPECIAL PRICES: Use this price list and be sure to specify "First Edition" on your order. | Notable Improvements in the 21st Century Edition:
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