-----Original Message-----
From: mimilozano@somosprimos.com [mailto:mimilozano@somosprimos.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2015 1:15 AM
To: mimilozano@aol.com
Subject: Somos Primos November 2015
http://somosprimos.com/sp2015/spnov15/spnov15.htm
Dear Primos, Friends, and Family:
The month of November, a wonderful reminder about what is important in
life: family and friends.
If we are also enjoying good health, we are indeed blessed.
This year, I have even more reasons to be grateful; an important west coast heritage project has successfully come together and resulted in a Unit of Study which will enlarge historic understanding of the Spanish/Mexican colonizers in a more positive, inclusive manner.
Historically, the interrelationships between the early California native tribes and the Spanish colonizers in California has not been presented with respect for both sides.
Demeaning the natives and demonizing the Spanish clearly reinforced the American Manifest Destiny perspective of California as an uncivilized wilderness in need and deserving of invasion.
Debuting November 5th at an event at the Heritage Museum of Orange County is a 4th Grade Unit of Study prepared by Santa Ana Unified School District, CA, Common Core Curriculum specialists, Marta Moyer and Jennifer Wood:
California Bilingual Constitution, 1849.
Big Idea (Enduring Understanding) : This is the goal . .
Native Californians, Californios, and newly arriving immigrants joined together in giving structure and shape to California.
Essential Questions: Children will be discussing . . .
1. Prior to the 1850s, why did CA attract a diverse population?
2. How did internal and external factors affect the culture and economics of CA?
3. How were the contributions of the Spanish and Mexican people validated in the creation of the CA Constitution?
Among other discussions, the unit includes the traditional Spanish/Mexican laws observing women's legal and property, and anti-slave laws which proceeded those of the United Sates.
