1 Using Primary Sources “Then” and “Now” Democratic Vistas: Teaching American History Lois Libby and Greg Hatzis

2 Types of Primary Sources A Reminder of the MANY TYPES… 1. Text: documents in the original handwriting, cookbooks, advertisements, journals, letters, diaries, lyrics 2. Objects: artifacts, tools, weapons, inventions, uniforms, fashion, tombstones 3. Images: photographs, film, video, fine art, cartoons, maps

3 Types of Primary Sources 4. Audio: music, oral histories, interviews, recordings (like speeches or radio) 5. Statistics: census data, land surveys, maps, ordinances, blueprints, or architectural drawings 6. Community: physical surroundings, family photographs (of ancestors and their homes), memorabilia, souvenirs, recipes, ancestors' clothes, ancestors' papers, oral histories, local historical societies, genealogical information

4 Rationale for Using Primary Sources - The “Why” STUDENTS WILL GAIN: 1. Exposure to multiple perspectives on issues. 2. Knowledge of content and context. Detailed information of what the people of the time were thinking at the time. 3. Analysis skills. Instead of relying on textbook interpretation, they will rely on their own. 4. Historical thinking skills: asking questions, interpreting, crafting an argument, looking for support for an argument, etc. Meets EVERY Historical Thinking Standard

Brainstorming…. HOW do you use primary sources? WHEN do you use primary sources? 5

6 Suggestions for Using Primary Source Documents Focus activities At the beginning of a unit Re-engage students during a long unit Problem Solving/Inquiry activities Students discover nuances of topic on their own Reduce lecturing…more student centered Comparing Historical Eras See handout: “Suggestions for Using Primary Source Documents”

7 Suggestions for Using Primary Source Documents Application activities Apply what they have already learned to interpretation of sources Allows for comparing of different views Assessment Use primary sources to evaluate student mastery of skills and knowledge Comparing Historical Eras

8 Suggestions for Using Primary Source Documents Comparing Historical Eras See how two topics are related: For example Jim Crow laws vs. Gay Marriage ban Immigration restrictions Profiling today See how the Primary Source Media are related: For example – how cartoons are used -- how song lyrics are used

9 Suggestions for Using Primary Source Documents See handout: “Suggestions for Using Primary Source Documents”

10 Graphic Organizers 1. Document Analysis Worksheets Written Document Photograph Cartoon Poster Map Artifact Motion Picture Sound Recording 2. SOAPSTone S: What is the subject or main idea? O: What is the occasion? (setting, time, place) A: Who is the audience? P: What is the purpose or reason for the source? S: Who is the speaker/author? T: What is the tone or emotion/attitude of the piece?