Daily Life at the Missions: Three Different Perspectives — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. history passage explores daily life at the California missions during the Mission and Rancho Eras. Students will learn about the experiences of Native Americans, Spanish missionaries, and settlers. The passage uses a clear, chronological structure and highlights cause-and-effect relationships, bravery, and community. It includes a glossary, a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and a timeline of key events. A Spanish translation, read-aloud audio, and activities aligned with C3 Framework (D2.His.2.3-5, D2.His.3.3-5) and Common Core standards (RI.4.3, RI.4.4, W.4.2) support literacy and history learning. Ideal for building foundational knowledge of U.S. Westward Expansion and understanding different cultural perspectives from this important period. Key vocabulary is emphasized, and students can deepen their understanding with graphic organizers and creative tasks. A relevant public domain image and a coloring page prompt further enrich this comprehensive resource.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Mission San Jose de Guadalupe, Mission & Washington Boulevards, Fremont, Alameda County, CA.
Source: Library of Congress - Historic American Buildings Survey

The missions in California were busy places during the Mission and Rancho Eras. People from different backgrounds lived and worked together. Each group had its own way of life. The missions changed the land and the people in many ways.

Native Americans were the first people in California. They had their own traditions and languages. When the Spanish arrived, they asked Native Americans to live at the missions. The Spanish taught them how to farm, cook, and build with stone. Life at the missions was very different for the Native Americans. They helped plant crops and care for animals like cattle and sheep. Sometimes, they missed their old ways and families. Still, they learned new skills that changed their daily lives.

The Spanish missionaries were priests who wanted to share their faith. They believed the missions would help teach Native Americans about Christianity. Each day, they led prayers and helped organize work. Missionaries also kept records and wrote about their hopes. One missionary wrote, "We teach, we guide, and we hope for peace." They worked hard to keep the mission running smoothly.

Spanish settlers and their families also lived near the missions. Some became ranchers, owning large lands called ranchos. They raised horses and cattle. Settlers traded goods like hides and tallow. They built houses and schools. Families often worked together. The missions helped the settlers by providing food and supplies.

Living at the missions was not always easy. People faced hard work and new rules. But many worked together to solve problems. Over time, the missions became centers of learning and trade. The work of Native Americans, missionaries, and settlers shaped California's future.

Traditions and customs changed as people learned from each other. The missions became places where many cultures mixed. Even after the missions closed, their buildings and ideas remained important.

Interesting Fact: California has 21 missions, and many are still standing today!

Who were the first people in California?

Native AmericansSpanish settlersMissionariesRanchers

What did Native Americans learn at missions?

Farming and buildingFlying planesMaking computersDriving cars

What did settlers trade?

Hides and tallowGold and silverOil and gasBooks and pencils

Why did missionaries build missions?

To teach ChristianityTo find goldTo build schoolsTo make movies

How did missions change Native life?

Taught new skillsMade them leaveTook away animalsBuilt roads

What did families do near missions?