Primary Sources
Growing up my folks would often drag us to visit their aunts and uncles. Dreading the thought, all I wondered was 'what am I supposed to do there?' After all, this was before the days of Nintendo DS Games, iPods and cellphones. Why couldn't I just stay home and play with my friends? How BORING!
While traveling into the city I would mope displaying a sour look on my face and wear it the whole time as my mom visited with Auntie Mare. Sitting by the window I'd watch the pigeons land and waddle on the ledge, while in the background I could hear the soft voices of my mom and great aunt. There would be clinking tea cups intermingled with laughter. It never occurred to me to join in the conversation or actually listen to what they were talking about.
Other times the Great Aunts and Uncles would visit us. Retreating to another room I could escape interacting with those people who I considered 'old'. Occasionally, Dad would make us sit respectfully for a bit before releasing us from obligation.
At the time it never crossed my mind that I could LEARN from these visits with my great aunts and uncles. There in my midst, were PRIMARY SOURCES....people who would have been thrilled to speak about their slice of life in America, or Italy or Ireland.
As teachers we can access Primary Sources such as photographs and documents through the National Archives in Washington, DC or through the PrimarySources Wiki to help foster critical and historical thinking.
Perhaps we should assign homework where students need to interview their grandparents, great aunts, uncles or neighbors. Not only will they brighten someone's day, but they'll be surprised what they learn. (Using a digital recording device may help preserve the moment too!)
Finding Documentaries or videos allows children of today get a glimpse of days gone by. Check out this video from the 1950's.
Today, I enjoy spending time and interacting with my Primary Sources....my parents, my aunts, uncles and neighbors. Through their first-hand knowledge I have learned about experiences during the Depression, being in the military during WWII, attending a Nursing School in the early 50's, raising seven children without modern conveniences; living in Boston during the 1940's, farming in a rural community during the 1950's and more.
What have you learned from your Primary Sources?
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| My Primary Sources: My Dad, Aunt and Mom |
Other times the Great Aunts and Uncles would visit us. Retreating to another room I could escape interacting with those people who I considered 'old'. Occasionally, Dad would make us sit respectfully for a bit before releasing us from obligation.
At the time it never crossed my mind that I could LEARN from these visits with my great aunts and uncles. There in my midst, were PRIMARY SOURCES....people who would have been thrilled to speak about their slice of life in America, or Italy or Ireland.
As teachers we can access Primary Sources such as photographs and documents through the National Archives in Washington, DC or through the PrimarySources Wiki to help foster critical and historical thinking.
Perhaps we should assign homework where students need to interview their grandparents, great aunts, uncles or neighbors. Not only will they brighten someone's day, but they'll be surprised what they learn. (Using a digital recording device may help preserve the moment too!)
Finding Documentaries or videos allows children of today get a glimpse of days gone by. Check out this video from the 1950's.
Today, I enjoy spending time and interacting with my Primary Sources....my parents, my aunts, uncles and neighbors. Through their first-hand knowledge I have learned about experiences during the Depression, being in the military during WWII, attending a Nursing School in the early 50's, raising seven children without modern conveniences; living in Boston during the 1940's, farming in a rural community during the 1950's and more.
What have you learned from your Primary Sources?
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