California Costumes

This presentation will cover the following periods of California: Native Californian, Spanish, Mexican, and the United States (up to statehood). Encourage your students to dress in historical attire (appropriate to region/time period) or in a creative costume that represents their assigned Expert Word card. This will help your class become a part of living history and builds excitement among students and parents. This can be done in class or with the help of the student’s family at home. We strongly encourage creativity (and advocate that families do not spend money on costumes). We do not sell or provide costumes.

Students should be able to comfortably sit in their costumes!

Helpful Hints:

• Inform your students that costumes don’t have to be store-bought or elaborate.
• Costumes can be made from items at home or inexpensive materials purchased at craft, fabric or consignment stores.
• Give students and parents ample time to plan and create their costumes.  The more time they have to prepare, the more creative their costumes can be!
• Some of our favorite costumes have been costumes that students based on their expert card.  We’ve had missions, rivers, aqueducts and even gold nuggets grace our stage!
• Consider brainstorming about costumes with your class for the program.  Not only will it give them ideas, but it will help them get excited for their big day!
• Showcase books and websites about California that students can refer to for costume ideas.
• Don’t forget your camera!  Walk Through photographs are great for yearbooks, bulletin boards and class newsletters.  Be sure to take a group shot!