A Little Crazy about Visuals

You’ve heard us talk about primary sources before. I, Tony, will admit I’m a little crazy about history, and primary sources are, in my opinion, some of the best ways to engage students. Using paintings, maps, lithographs, and other visual and dynamic primary sources engages your students. These documents help students understand and get excited about the “big ideas” of history teaching standards we’ve been forced to include in curriculum.

Why is this important? Let me get metaphorical. Say your friend tells you about an awesome movie he saw. Your interest may spark as he speaks, but the next day you may have forgotten the title. If, however, you happen to see the trailer on another movie you rented or online, chances are all the bits and fragments sewn together with explosions or themed music will lead you to  eventually see that movie.

The same goes for students. The more excitement you create with visual aids and original pieces of that big idea’s history, the more likely they are to remember the facts and major concepts they need to. Voila, instant teacher assistance! Example: The civil war could get lost in the sea of history pages on one war or another until you show students a collection of civil war photographs. The distinct style of the time or locations of these pictures could be the difference between your students’ recollection and bad testing.

Of course, this leads me to our newest product, an incredible 35 page U.S. History Primary Source packet complete with over 22 visual primary sources to jump start that excitement we talked about above. It “encourages creativity, intelligent reflection, and decision making that will help you take an active approach to teaching while inspiring your students to make their own explorations of history, writing, and reading.” You can check it out here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/US-History-Working-with-Primary-Source-VISUALS-Activity-Bundle-1608749

Do you use visual primary sources as well as literary ones in your classroom? Do you focus them on details or the big ideas of your lesson(s)? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!