When Charlotte is invited to travel West, build background knowledge for this unit by introducing your students to the California Gold Rush. Explain that in 1848, news of finding gold in California, a state on the West Coast, made its way to the East Coast. During this time, California was mostly unsettled, with the exception of Spanish missionaries and American Indians living on the land. After James Marshall found gold in a ditch, many people decided to journey westward to find their fortune. Some people took the Oregon Trail that ran across the middle of the country. Others traveled around the Panama Canal and crossed through Central America. Still others sailed the long route around Cape Horn at the tip of South America. No matter the route, these travelers were called '49ers, because they traveled to find gold around 1849. Today, San Francisco’s professional football team is named after these gold-hungry adventurers.
Pacing Guide for Riding Freedom
Day 1
Genre Lesson
Complete the Genre Lesson Independent Practice in the Student Packet
Day 2
Begin reading “In the Beginning” through Chapter 4
Begin Worksheets for “In the Beginning” through Chapter 4 in the Student Packet
Day 3
Finish reading “In the Beginning” through Chapter 4
Complete Worksheets for “In the Beginning” through Chapter 4 in the Student Packet
Day 4
Begin Lesson 1
Day 5
Lesson 1 (continued)
Complete the Independent Practice for Lesson 1 in the Student Packet
Day 6
Begin reading Chapters 5–8
Begin the Worksheets for Chapters 5–8 in the Student Packet
Day 7
Finish reading Chapters 5–8
Complete the Worksheets for Chapters 5–8 in the Student Packet
Day 8
Begin Lesson 2
Day 9
Lesson 2 (continued)
Complete the Independent Practice for Lesson 2 in the Student Packet
Day 10
Begin reading Chapters 9 through “In the End”
Begin the Worksheets for Chapters 9 through “In the End” in the Student Packet
Day 11
Finish reading Chapters 9 through “In the End”
Complete the Worksheets for Chapters 9 through “In the End” in the Student Packet
Day 12
Begin Lesson 3
Day 13
Lesson 3 (continued)
Complete the Independent Practice for Lesson 3 in the Student Packet
Day 14
Begin Lesson 4
Day 15
Lesson 4 (continued)
Complete the Independent Practice for Lesson 4 in the Student Packet
Day 16
Review
Day 17
Unit Assessment
Awesome unit!
Are you able to help me identify the Florida Standards that go with this unit?
Thank you so much for the wonderful lessons! I am going to share this site with other teachers in my school.
Great unit. Great site. Couldn't live or teach without it.
This packet is brilliant! Adapted down a bit for use in third grade. The student packet is challenging and well-organized. Saved me hours of planning time! I highly recommend the book and these teaching materials.
How did it work with your 3rd grade? I am new to ReadWorks and saw this.... and thought I would give it a try. Any suggestions??
I just purchased the books today so I can use this unit and also use the books for literature circles.
These kinds of units are so helpful for busy teachers. Thank you so much for sharing. I will be buying the books.