The sensory exploration graphic organizer is a great way to introduce students, especially younger ones, to primary source analysis. It also helps with vocabulary development. Encourage students to write words in each column for each sense or allow them to draw pictures. After, you may have students create a poem of their choice using the words they brainstormed; they may choose to write the poem from the point of view of someone outside the image or from a person, animal, or thing inside the … [Read more...]
Primary Source Spotlight: Teddy Bears
February 13, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Teddy bears got their name from Theodore Roosevelt. He had a soft heart for animals in general and in particular for a bear that his aides cornered and thought he would like as a hunting trophy. The incident inspired the cartoon illustration above which, in turn, inspired a New York toy store owner to create a toy stuffed bear he called "Teddy's bear". Below you can find out more of the story and then explore teddy bear resources from the Library of Congress. The teddy bear story from … [Read more...]
Today in History: L. Frank Baum
May 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–May 15–the Library of Congress features The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum, born on this day in 1856. Lyman Frank Baum was in his 40s by the time he became a bestselling author. Learn more about this writer and the extraordinary success of the Oz mass media franchise by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access all types of Oz primary sources as well as books and stories by Baum* and Oz illustrator W.W. Denslow. L. Frank Baum … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Letter with Illustrated Fable
May 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment
This source is listed as a letter with illustrated fable. What is the moral or lesson of the story? Read more about the author and recipient of this letter. What interesting information did you uncover? Write and illustrate your own brief fable that contains a lesson useful for your school or local community. What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know! … [Read more...]
Santa Catalina Island named by Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno. Check out our 
Jack Ruby shot and killed JFK's accused assassin Lee Harvey Oswald. Check out our