What is a primary source? How can you use primary sources in your teaching to engage and inspire students? Learn more about these important resources and how to use them effectively to enhance your teaching.

Browse a variety of ideas for adapting text-based primary sources for learners of all ages and abilities.

This chart, created for the Living the Legacy project, gives students an opportunity to observe and ask questions about a primary source document, be it a photo or a piece of text.

The Primary Source Investigator Report encourages students to investigate primary sources in a similar fashion to how a detective might investigate a crime. By identifying the “who, what, when, where, and why,” students will gather the information needed to engage in thoughtful primary source analysis. In addition to the worksheet, this tool includes discussion questions and topics, methods, and extensions.

Use this tool to think through incorporating primary sources into your classroom, from considering the background information and context you’ll need to provide for your students, to the specific methods you’ll employ to use primary sources effectively. Consider the guiding questions individually or with a group of your colleagues.

Educators around the country are using JWA educational resources in creative and exciting ways. Explore best practices from the community, and share your own tips and tricks for making JWA’s resources come to life!