This guide serves as an entry point for teaching with primary sources in K-12 classrooms. It includes a variety of information related to primary source pedagogy and numerous resources to reference as you get started. Whether you are learning about primary source instruction for the first time or you are a seasoned educator looking for new ideas, this is the guide for you!
Why are primary sources important? What purpose do they serve in K-12 curriculums? Primary sources provide hands-on experiences that promote deeper connections to course content. They often serve as evidence of the topic being studied and can provide a unique perspective that might be missing in secondary sources. Utilizing primary sources with students supports the development of critical-thinking skills and encourages discussion-based learning in the classroom. If we haven't convinced you yet, consider their value in accomplishing state standards!
The North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS) provides a uniform set of learning standards for all public schools in North Carolina. While the course of study varies across different subject areas and grade levels, primary sources are often a great way to address standards related to critical-thinking and inquiry. Some subject areas (e.g., social studies) explicitly require the use of primary sources as part of the curriculum. Others focus on specific skill-sets that, potentially, can be developed through the use of primary sources (e.g. arts education, language arts, science, etc.). For more information on how primary sources might fit into your subject/grade level standards, explore the links below!
North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS)
Arts Education NC Standards K-12
English Language Arts NC Standards K-12
Social Studies NC Standards K-12
World Languages NC Standards K-12
*If you are teaching outside of North Carolina, review your state standards and consider how you might be able to incorporate primary source instruction into your curriculum!