As part of their California history studies, Sierra Canyon 4th Grade students brought the Rancho Period to life during a visit to the Leonis Adobe, followed by a culminating Barter Day experience back on campus.
While exploring the historic ranch, students stepped into the role of Californios, engaging in daily tasks that defined life during the 19th century. They fed livestock in the corral, designed cattle brands in the blacksmith shop, washed laundry using water from a working well, ground corn to make tortillas, and practiced roping techniques like vaqueros and vaqueras. Inside the hacienda, students examined original artifacts and antiques brought to California aboard trading ships, deepening their understanding of how global trade shaped early life in the region.
Building on this immersive experience, students later participated in their own Barter Day simulation. Using items such as soap, candles, beads, and scarves, they traded goods without using money—mirroring the supply-and-demand systems of the Rancho Period. Through this process, students discovered how the value and desirability of an item influenced trading options, while also exploring the advantages and limitations of a barter-based economy.
Through thoughtfully designed programs like the 4th Grade Rancho unit, Sierra Canyon students engage in rigorous academic study enriched by experiential learning. By exploring California history through active participation and immersive experiences, they develop deeper understanding and meaningful insight to the past.
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