Teaching California history can be complicated.
We all know that elementary students in California study the history of their state. And there is so much to learn: from Native tribes to missions, agriculture to government — all in one school year.
And California has multiple standards for history and social studies that have to be to fulfilled. If you are a teacher, you know it takes precious time and energy to find resources and activities for each topic.
You have a lot on your plate.
Teaching California history and social studies can be stressful if you don’t have good materials at your fingertips. And textbooks often leave much to be desired.
Whether it is searching for activities on the internet or teacher-to-teacher websites, it takes time away from the other things you have to do as a teacher — including having space for yourself and your family.
There is a way forward.
A full suite of well-researched and accessible history and social studies resources that will keep students engaged — while fulfilling state content standards.
Save yourself the effort of coming up with new materials each week. Our resources are all ready to download and use.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Each teaching unit contains:
- 3-5 minute video
- Slide presentation (PowerPoint and PDF)
- Teacher background text
- Content standard alignment statement
- Student text
- Reading comprehension activity (fill-in-the-blanks)
- Multiple choice quiz
Bonus materials include:
- Guides to California’s Native American tribes
- Guides to all 21 California missions
- California Mission Project
- California Native American Project
- Timelines
- Maps
…and more
Lesson Topics
- Latitude and Longitude
- The Poles, the Equator and Maps
- Regions of California
- Geography and Growth of California
- Communities of California
- Native Americans of California
- Early Land and Sea Routes to California
- Spanish Exploration and Colonization of California
- The Spanish Missions
- Daily Life in Missions, Ranchos and Pueblos
- Franciscans and the Economy of California
- Mexican Independence and California
- The Rancho Era
- Settlements in Mexican California
- Routes to California
- The Gold Rush
- Women in Early California
- How did California Become a State?
- The Pony Express, Telegraphs and the Railroad
- The Transformation of the California Economy
- Immigration to California: 1850-1900
- The Growth of Cities
- The Great Depression, Dust Bowl and World War II
- New Industries in California
- California's Water System
- California's Education System
- 20th Century Californians in the Arts
- The U.S. Constitution
- The California Constitution
- Federal, State and Local Governments
- The State Government
- California's Governance Structure
...with more being added.
Lose the stress.
- No more last-minute prep or searching on teacher-to-teacher marketplaces.
- Materials ready for substitutes when you need time off.
- Know that everything is standards-aligned.
- Have your whole year taken care of in one place.
- Controversial topics addressed in an age-appropriate, inclusive and non-divisive way.
Videos and slide presentations done for you.
Whether you make them with PowerPoint or another software, slide presentations are a major time investment.
Each unit of the California History Teachers Academy includes a ready-made video and slide presentation based on the reading material. Just open and teach.
Comprehension activities and quizzes.
Now you don't have to spend time creating ways for students to practice what they have learned. Each unit includes both fill-in-the blanks and multiple choice quizzes for you to use when you need them.
Native American teaching resources
Knowing about California’s first peoples is key to understanding its rich history. But finding good quality resources can be a challenge. You can easily spend hours searching the internet only to come up with just a few useful facts.
We draw on the best academic sources to provide grade appropriate, culturally respectful Native American materials. Our content library currently has information on 19 tribal groups, and the list is growing.
California mission resources
California’s Spanish missions are some of the most iconic features of it’s history. They represent the crossroads of Native American, Latin American and European cultures. And they continue to be important spiritual centers and tourist destinations.
We have worked hard to provide well-researched resources about all 21 of California’s Spanish missions, as well as the people who founded, built and lived in them, with new materials added all the time.
Honoring diverse people and cultures
California’s history is made up of the unique stories of individuals, families and communities, from indigenous peoples to settlers and immigrants from all over the world.
And we recognize that some aspects of California history have become hotly debated and often politically charged.
Our materials seek to recognize the contributions of people of multiple cultures, religions and ethnicities in making California what it is, in a way that not divisive or offensive, but respectful of all people.
Increase your own knowledge
The California History Teachers Academy also offers regular opportunities for online workshops, trainings and informal Q&As for educators and parents.
Members can access video and audio recordings as they become available, all included in the price of enrollment.
A growing resource library
We continually add thoughtfully-designed materials that will keep students engaged while fulfilling California content standards.
As a member, you will have complete access to these materials for your own use in your classes.
And all of the educational content is researched and written by me -- not some large, impersonal company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get complete access to everything right away?
Will there be new material added?
Will this work for home school families?
My school already has a history/social studies curriculum.
Can my school/district buy a membership?
We are here to help.
I’m Dr. Damian Bacich and I’ve spent years teaching about California's rich history.
As a college professor I have shared my knowledge with current and future elementary school teachers all over California.
Through my website and podcast I provide well-researched and accessible information all about California’s history and cultures.
In traveling around to elementary schools, I saw some of the struggles good teachers had: too much to cover and not enough time.
I realized good information wasn’t good enough.
So I decided to use my passion and knowledge to actually make high-quality, no prep, grade appropriate materials for California history and social studies. Materials that could save teachers time and lower their stress.
Ask me a question
“I LOVE it. This is everything we need in 4th grade!”
- Wendy T., Escondido, CA
“It is stellar! The info, graphics, photos and illustrations are just amazing!…It’s really excellent!”
- Katie E., Los Angeles, CA
"A great resource. I have shared it with several members of our staff."
- Lance M., Menifee, CA
