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American Western Migration Series (Grades 4–8)

A Literature-Based, Hands-On Journey Through Early American Expansion

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This three-course series invites students to explore the story of American western migration through rich literature, immersive activities, and an integrated study of history, writing, geography, and economics. Designed for two levels (Grades 4–6 and 7–8), the program takes a “wide lens” approach—helping students understand not just events, but how and why they unfolded.

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Students engage with authentic texts, develop strong writing and grammar skills, and participate in hands-on projects that bring history to life.

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Course 1: Foundations — Empires, California & Civics​​

Format: Two 75-minute class sessions twice a week for six weeks during Summer Session, one 75-minute class session a week for twelve weeks during Autumn Session or Spring Session

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Understanding the cultures and conflicts that shaped the West

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Through Vallejo and the Four Flags, students explore early California as a meeting place of empires, cultures, and political change.

They will study:

  • The Spanish Empire and mission system

  • The work of Junípero Serra

  • The influence of the Russian Empire in California

  • The leadership of Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo

  • The California Bear Flag Revolt

  • The factors leading to California becoming a U.S. state

  • Early connections to the First Transcontinental Railroad and national expansion

Students build skills in:

  • Writing and grammar

  • Geography and mapping

  • Introductory economics

  • Civics, including understanding forms of government:

    • Democracy

    • Republic

    • Monarchy

Course 2: Expansion — Trails, Exploration & Decision-Making

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The people and paths that opened the frontier

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Using Patty Reed’s Doll and God’s Mountain Man, students follow the journeys of explorers and pioneers that shaped American migration.

They will explore:

  • The Lewis and Clark Expedition

  • The Wilderness Road and Daniel Boone

  • The Santa Fe Trail

  • The California Trail

  • The Louisiana Purchase

  • The Donner Party

Students develop:

  • Narrative and description writing skills

  • Historical reasoning

  • Economic and geographic understanding

Course 3: Transformation — Industry, Society & Historical Thinking

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A social history of a changing nation

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Through Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder, students explore daily life during a time of rapid national growth.

They will examine:

  • The ideas of John Locke and their influence

  • The impact of the American Civil War

  • The First Transcontinental Railroad

  • The Second Industrial Revolution

  • Agricultural life and westward expansion

Students strengthen:

  • Analytical and expository writing

  • Understanding of economic systems

  • Connections between daily life and historical change

  • Historical thinking skills, including:

    • Contextualizing events within broader time periods

    • Distinguishing between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources

    • Evaluating how historical knowledge is constructed

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