Grade 4 Lesson at a Glance: Chapter 3, Lesson 2

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
Oh, California

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 3, Lesson 2: First European Settlers (pp. 65-69)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Change The realization that other countries might claim Alta California caused Spain to quickly settle San Diego and Monterey Bay.

Have students use the map on page 68 trace the paths of the early explorers who sent three expeditions to settle California. Invite three students to trace each expedition's journey: first, an ocean route from the Baja Peninsula to San Diego, second, an overland route also from the Baja Peninsula to San Diego; and third, a route originating from the Sonoran desert region of New Spain and ending in Monterey Bay. Discuss with students possible reasons why the land expeditions took longer.

Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.

Check for Understanding

Have students write a summary of how the first Europeans settled California.
Have students make a landscape painting showing either the crossing of Father Serra described on page 67 or the route described by Dorothy Erksine on page 69.

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