Resources for Teaching History in California
Introduction to Primary Source Documents
Introductory Activity:
- This evening, with the help of a family member or an adult who is
close to you, look through the souvenirs of your life that have been saved
as you have grown. For example, these might include a photograph, a letter,
a diary, a newspaper clipping, a birth certificate, a report card, or a
library or social security card. Select one item that you are willing to
share with your classmates and teacher, and bring it to class.
- During your turn in class, present your document providing the following
information:
- What type of document is this?
- What is the date of the document?
- Who created the document?
- How does the document relate to you?
- Consider, for your document and the documents of your classmates, responses
to the following questions:
- What does the existence of this document say about whoever
created it?
- What does the existence of this document say about whoever saved it?
- What does the existence of this document say about American life in
this era?
(This activity was created by NARA's Education Staff)
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