Teaching American History in South Carolina Allyson H Goff Manning Elementary School

Discussion… Why should we teach history? Why should we teach history? What challenges do we face in teaching history? What challenges do we face in teaching history? What does a typical history lesson in your class look like? What does a typical history lesson in your class look like? Of the history lessons you have taught, which was the most effective and why? Of the history lessons you have taught, which was the most effective and why?

What are some examples of Primary Source Documents? Written Documents Written Documents Reports Reports Maps Maps Photographs Photographs Letters Letters Drawings Drawings Journal Entries Journal Entries

Primary vs. Secondary Primary Sources – original pieces from a time in the past Primary Sources – original pieces from a time in the past Letters, Photographs, Newspaper Articles, Illustrations, Posters, Maps, Government papers like the Constitution Secondary Sources – documents that are not from the time they describe Secondary Sources – documents that are not from the time they describe Graphs made from historical data Chapter in a history book

Why should we use Primary Sources? To connect the present to the past… To connect the present to the past… Author’s interpretation of past events… Author’s interpretation of past events… Students directly touch the lives of people in the past… Students directly touch the lives of people in the past… Students see history COME ALIVE!! Students see history COME ALIVE!!

How can Historic Records be used in the classroom? Integrate interdisciplinary learning Integrate interdisciplinary learning Hook - beginning of a lesson Hook - beginning of a lesson Point maker – middle of a lesson Point maker – middle of a lesson Central reward – end of a lesson Central reward – end of a lesson Provide valuable data or context Provide valuable data or context Make learning more fun and meaningful Make learning more fun and meaningful Make teaching more fun and meaningful Make teaching more fun and meaningful

Tips for using Primary Source Documents… Copies need to be clear, legible, easy to handle Copies need to be clear, legible, easy to handle Materials need to age and grade appropriate – user friendly Materials need to age and grade appropriate – user friendly Allow sufficient time for students to use materials Allow sufficient time for students to use materials Should be desirable length of 100 words or less Should be desirable length of 100 words or less Define difficult or outdated terms Define difficult or outdated terms Identify the source of each primary source document Identify the source of each primary source document Used as part of the curriculum to enhance further research Used as part of the curriculum to enhance further research

Where can I find Primary Sources? Your local community is a GREAT place to start! Your local community is a GREAT place to start! Museums Museums State and local archives State and local archives Local Historical Groups Local Historical Groups Local government files and newspapers Local government files and newspapers