Resources for Instructors

Resources for Instructors

Teaching Using Primary Sources

"Whether in a museum or in the classroom, the study of primary sources is crucial to the study of history."
—from "Engaging Students with Primary Sources"

Primary sources are invaluable for helping create factually accurate information.  The Smithsonian’s History Explorer website provides teaching resources to bring primary source learning into any classroom.  Students learn how to identify primary sources, and will begin to understand the type of information that can be derived from artifacts and historical objects.  These skills can inspire young learners to understand evidence-based research and will enable them to break down information related to primary sources and other mediums available to them. 

The following exercise is recommended for classrooms ranging from grades 7-12.  However, the Engaging Students with Primary Sources digital resource put together by the Smithsonian has other exercises for grades 3-12, and some examples for even younger age groups.

Download the following "Reading an Object" exercise (Engaging Students with Primary Sources, pp.46-58) to begin exploring The Loring-Dresel Family Paper Dollhouse with your students: Engaging Students with Primary Sources, pp.46-58

Below are other links to publicly accessible lesson plans and resources for instructors and educators who are teaching with primary source materials and documents: