S/O Primary sources-let's share how we use them in our homeschool

[HappyGrace]

This is for 5th grade, so we keep it simple: So far we have primarily used Josephus and checked it against the our narrative reading (Cyrus, etc.) It is very basic, but using primary sources like this is a good way of introducing her to thinking about history as being from different viewpoints, objective vs. subjective nature of it, getting a feel for the times, etc.

 

I have some Plutarch, Cicero, and Caesar lined up for when we hit Rome. Again,this will be very basic, just reading bits to give a feel for it.

 

We did some of this in 3rd and 4th grade from the Veritas Press manual, so this is not new to us. The VP manual was a great resource and help to us and I recommend it-helped me as a teacher in learning how to include primary sources and to dd in reading them early on so they don't seem "hard" and learning to enjoy them.

 

Interested to hear how others are incorporating it in their logic stage!

Edited December 30, 2010 by HappyGrace

[plain jane]

This is for 5th grade, so we keep it simple: So far we have primarily used Josephus and checked it against the our narrative reading (Cyrus, etc.) It is very basic, but using primary sources like this is a good way of introducing her to thinking about history as being from different viewpoints, objective vs. subjective nature of it, getting a feel for the times, etc.

 

I have some Plutarch, Cicero, and Caesar lined up for when we hit Rome. Again,this will be very basic, just reading bits to give a feel for it.

 

We did some of this in 3rd and 4th grade from the Veritas Press manual, so this is not new to us. The VP manual was a great resource and help to us and I recommend it-helped me as a teacher in learning how to include primary sources and to dd in reading them early on so they don't seem "hard" and learning to enjoy them.

 

Interested to hear how others are incorporating it in their logic stage!

 

Could I please side-track this conversation for a moment to ask what this VP manual is that you used and if you could share a link to it for me? I'm very interested in reading more about using primary sources as this is so very new to me and I'll admit to being very overwhelmed.

[HappyGrace]

http://www.veritaspress.com/prodinfo.asp?number=000505

 

The sample is generous so you can get a good idea. I like that they use a variety of primary sources-letters, speeches, etc. They are well-chosen too.

 

We used Explorers to 1815 and 1815 to Present.

 

ETA: This will not "teach" you how to use primary sources, but they way they incorporate them was what helped me see how it can be so natural.

Edited December 30, 2010 by HappyGrace

[thowell]

http://www.veritaspress.com/prodinfo.asp?number=000505

 

The sample is generous so you can get a good idea. I like that they use a variety of primary sources-letters, speeches, etc. They are well-chosen too.

 

We used Explorers to 1815 and 1815 to Present.

 

ETA: This will not "teach" you how to use primary sources, but they way they incorporate them was what helped me see how it can be so natural.

 

I don't mean to side track either but what else can you tell me about this. It looks exactly likw what I have been looking for. Is there a way to view any resources needed to go with it? How much prep time?

[HappyGrace]

I will start a spinoff thread with more info about VP. :)

[HappyGrace]

A good example of the primary sources in VP is at this link, on pages 57-58 (scroll down to it), where there are two different primary source letters from people of differing viewpoints regarding the Cherokee Trail of Tears.

http://books.google.com/books?printsec=frontcover&id=kJcoE4VGnd4C#v=onepage&q&f=false

[Ann.without.an.e]

I use MOH as our primary spine. DD (12) will start with VP Omnibus in January to coordinate with the history we are studying. She needs more literature and depth. I always add in more literature and WTM concepts where I want and feel the need. We also use the Timeline CD from Homeschool in the Woods. Each child has a timeline notebook where they paste figures that coordinate with the time period we are studying. We also use VP History Cards as a narrowed down timeline to memorize (we do this rather than make the cards that are suggested in MOH).

[katilac]

We will be covering the American Revolution era this year, so one thing we will be doing in detail is comparing what people think is in the declaratio of independence to what is actually there, and comparing the general perception of our rights to what is actually written in the constitution. Seperation of church and state, the right to bear arms, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and so on.

 

We will also read some works by various 'founding fathers' to hear their own voice, read some speeches, etc.

 

Late Renaissance to Early Modern is a goldmine of engaging primary sources!

[johnandtinagilbert]

Do gov't documents count? We have read a ton this year, as we study American History in TOG3. I've found they are challenging in content and require dictionary look up; improve reading; improve our writing (I see lots more therefores, thuses, and furthermores in ds's writing); make us feel smarter :)

 

We'll be reading more primary sources coming around. Of course, we enjoy the historical fiction/biographies too that are considered primary sources. I find they give the dc a real perspective of attire and every day life. This especially works for the younger kids.

[Daisy]

We are using a few Jackdaws this year.

 

Coming up shortly we'll be using the Magna Carta one and towards the end of the year we are doing one on Early Printing.

 

I was fortunate enough to find 15 used Jackdaws at ebay last summer. They are rather pricey otherwise.

[johnandtinagilbert]

We are using a few Jackdaws this year.

 

Coming up shortly we'll be using the Magna Carta one and towards the end of the year we are doing one on Early Printing.

 

I was fortunate enough to find 15 used Jackdaws at ebay last summer. They are rather pricey otherwise.

Those look very interesting...tell me about them?

[Daisy]

They are basically just copies of primary documents with translations of the text on the back.

 

For example, my Magna Carta Jackdaw includes

 

1. Copy of Magna Carta from Lincoln Cathedral

2. Translation of Magna Carta

3. Copy of a Charter Roll, 1199

4. Copy of a Pipe Roll, 1130

5. Two pages from a Bestiary of the late 12th century.

6. Photo of King John's tomb in Worcester Cathedral

7. Color poster of the Royal standard from King John's reign to the present day.

8. Various drawings of costumes from the time period.

9. Sketch of a map.

10. Six broadsheets (informational sheets) on King John, Barons & Feudal Lords, Magna Carta, The signing of the Magna Carta, King John & History, England in 1215

 

It also includes 10 comprehension questions.

 

We plan on spending a week reading through the documents, discussing the questions, and probably doing some kind of assessment-based project (maybe a newspaper). I'm thinking about having the kids pretend they are investigative reporters.

 

Mine are close to 15 years old. I'm sure the newer ones probably have more color and it appears they even come with lesson plans.