Connecting with a Primary Source

1. Examine Closely

1.1. OBSERVE the document

1.1.1. write your observations about people, objects, etc

1.2. who is the intended audience

1.3. respond to learner-led inquiry

2. Consider Theme or Time Period

2.1. People

2.2. Organization

2.3. INQUIRY- who is the author?

2.3.1. What do you know about the author that affects his/her perspective?

2.4. Inquiry - Who is the intended audience?

2.5. Where/when was it created or published?

2.6. CONTEXTUALIZE- describe historical context/what was happening during this event or time period?

3. Selection of Source

3.1. INTERACT with the source

3.2. connect with the source

3.2.1. make assumptions

3.2.2. explore

3.3. ask - what about it appeals to you?

4. Compare/Contrast

4.1. Organization

4.2. COMPARE your source to others in the group

4.3. record similarities and differences

4.4. FIND patterns

5. Match/Pair with Similar Items

5.1. use the found patterns

5.2. MATCH up/pair up similar source items

5.3. DISCUSS with others in the group with similar sources

6. Describe/Explain

6.1. LISTEN to other group members

6.2. DEVISE a title for the grouping of primary sources

6.3. show and explain connections between the sources

6.4. DESCRIBE AND EXPLAIN the process and methods used in labeling the theme of the grouping of primary sources