Primary Sources
Grades K - 12

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Primary Sources (MORE INFORMATION)

Using primary sources offers students the opportunity to act and think as historians. Students will participate in the constructive process of history by studying primary documents and photographs. Viewing historic photographs, handling facsimiles of famous documents, and reading the comments and opinions of those in the past will bring history alive for students. Understanding the background of each primary source will help students put historical events and attitudes into perspective, to think progressively, and to walk in the shoes of their ancestors.

Contents

Series highlights include:

• 8 Photo Cards
• 8 Primary Sources
• Teacher’s Guide featuring document-based assessments
• Digital resources including:
• Digital copies of al photographs and primary sources
• Bonus photographs and primary sources
• Student reproducibles

*Note: The contents of Communities Around the World vary from the other kits in the Primary Sources series.

Components of Primary Sources

Photo Cards: Each photograph has four general areas on the back for teacher and student use. The top of the card has a brief Historical Background Information section. Along the left side of the card is the Analyzing History section. This includes questions and activities designed to make students analyze what they see and learn. In the Historical Writing section, students are given two writing assignments, one fiction and one nonfiction. Finally, the Challenge section offers fun extension ideas for the students. The teacher lesson plans do not necessarily refer to each of the sections on the back of the card. These activities can be used by teachers in any way that fits their classroom needs.

Primary Sources: The documents, letters, maps, and other primary sources are provided in both authentic-looking format as well as in the book for reproduction. The large copies of the primary sources should be shared with the students so that they can see and feel the facsimiles. The easy-to-read copies of the primary sources in the book can be reproduced for the students to use during student activities.

Teacher’s Guide: The Teacher’s Guide provides extensive details about each component in the kit. Lesson plans organized with objectives, materials, discussion questions, suggestions for using the primary sources, and extension ideas are included. Historical background pages are provided to give teachers and students information about each of the primary sources being studied. The coordinating student activity pages allow flexibility for a class, individuals, or small groups of students to focus on a specific task and provide direction for a series of tasks to be completed during a time period.

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