Picture Perfect: Using Visual Primary Sources to Meet Literacy AND Social Studies Standards

Session Submission Type: Workshop

Abstract

During the era of No Child Left Behind, many teachers decried that it was social studies that got left behind, especially in the elementary classrooms where the pressure to have their students pass state standardized tests in math and reading meant many elementary teachers sacrificed social studies to spend more time focusing on reading and math skills. However, the “new” Common Core Literacy Standards provide an excellent opportunity for elementary teachers to make up for lost time by using primary sources to meet not only the literacy standards but also the social studies standards. One particular type of primary sources that works especially well for K-5 elementary classrooms is the use of visual primary sources. Thus, the purpose of this workshop will be to demonstrate several visual primary source strategies that can be used to meet literacy and social studies standards in grades K-5. Resources from the Library of Congress will also be shared with workshop participants.

Sub Unit

• B - Curriculum Studies

Presenters

• Vicki Schweinler, USD #253, Emporia School District, Emporia, Kansas

• Darla Mallein, Emporia State University