Teaching American History in South Carolina

1. Teaching American History in South Carolina Allyson H Goff Manning Elementary School agoff@clarendon2.k12.sc.us

4. Discussion… • Why should we teach history? • What challenges do we face in teaching history? • 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?

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

6. Primary vs. Secondary • 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 Graphs made from historical data Chapter in a history book

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

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

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sufficient time for students to use materials • Should be desirable length of 100 words or less • Define difficult or outdated terms • Identify the source of each primary source document • Used as part of the curriculum to enhance further research

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