Primary Sources

 Primary sources serve as an insight into the past. They allow people to view a piece of history. They can be used for lessons, observations, and discussions. Throughout my social studies lessons, I have incorporated primary sources into content. My professor re-familiarized me with what primary sources are. As well as what they can do. During the course of my social studies lesson plans, I implemented primary sources. One of the first steps, was giving students a background on primary sources. That word could mean a lot of things, so we gave student specific examples. One activity we completed was primary source and secondary source sorting. In this activity, students were asked to differentiate between primary and secondary sources (see below). 

This activity gave students an understanding of what 'primary source' means, without physically seeing them. I wanted students to be familiar with what a primary source could be. I also wanted to explain secondary sources and how they differ. This gave students a great foundation when it came to further primary source incorporation. In one of our earlier lessons, we had students complete a 'What do you see' chart. This asked students to examine two pictures and describe it (see below). 

The chart featured a primary source and a secondary source. There was also a list of 'wh' (what, how, where, etc.) questions to get students questioning. This was not the student favorite primary source activity, but it gave a great insight into observing history. My lessons were focused on Puerto Rican history, so most primary sources came from the country. Another activity students completed was a 'KidCitizen' online module (link:KidCitizen). This website offers students interactive videos using primary sources. For one lesson, we specifically used the 'Congress and Milk' episode. This episode focused on how congress effects students directly. For this activity, students independently worked with their headphones on. This primary source resource was great. It was premade and gave students a new way to explore a primary source. 

Another primary source activity was comparing a primary source map to a newer, secondary source map. Students examined both maps and noted differences. This activity was incorporated into my geography lesson. This activity was a great way to examine the past and present using maps. We discussed similarities and where we thought the map came from (see below). 

The last two activities using primary sources was a 'primary source scavenger hunt' and a 'primary source analyzing'. The scavenger hunt had students go around the room and find primary sources. The students also found secondary sources. They were photos from current Puerto Rican life (link: Scavenger Hunt Pictures). The primary source analyzing was a worksheet (link: Primary Source Analyzing). It had students answer the three questions; what do you see, what do you think, and what do you wonder. We then discussed, taking turns answering each question. These activities engaged students through conversation. 

Teaching with primary sources, cultivates inquiry-based learning. Students are questioning, examining, and drawing conclusions on what they see. Primary sources also offer insight into the past. They are physical proof that the past happened. Having an understand of what has come before oneself, is important. It sparks wonder and teaches us new things. Using these sources in my practicum and lessons, has also shown me to analyze the past myself. Before each lesson, I would practice what I wanted students to do. I analyzed them exactly how I asked students to. We came up with similar responses on what we saw. I think this goes to show, anyone can learn from being curious. There is no challenge when it comes to curiosity. Primary sources also serve as great visuals. It gives students a chance to explain what they learned, by what they saw. Getting to see in the past, helps us understand life in the present.