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Learning With Lincoln Institute

Investigating Author’s Purpose with
Primary Source Documents

by Lou Conwell

Download a copy of this Learning Experience

Students will develop a better understanding of author's purpose and develop a greater sense of history during the 1860's through the use of primary source documents from the digital collections of the American Memory collections of the Library of Congress.

Overview

Subject:
Language Arts / Social Sciences / History
Time Required:
Three 30 minute class periods.
Grade Range:
K - 5
Understanding Goal:
Primary sources provide students with a glimpse into the author’s world of the 1860’s.
Investigative or Essential Question:
How can primary sources help us develop an understanding of an author’s purpose? How can a primary source help us gain a different perspective on history?

Materials

Purpose of Library of Congress Items:
The purpose of the selected Library of Congress materials is to provide opportunities to examine documents which have a clearly defined purpose for the author. The original intent of the documents vary: personal letters that express opinions or reflections intended for a private audience, some documents are intended as persuasive devices whose audience may or may not be directed to English speakers, and yet another is a poem intended to express grief. All documents express varying viewpoints which will also help the students develop a keener understanding of events which play a part in our country's history.
Library of Congress Items:
Bibliographical Information can be found in the PDF of this Learning Experience.
 
  • ArmTe Du General F. Sigel
  • Grace Bedell to Abraham Lincoln
  • Intimate letters of Carl Schurz, 1841-1869
  • Letter and corrected reprint
  • Intimate Letters of Carl Schurz 1841-1869
  • Volunteers wanted! For 100 days!
  • Rally young men of the Lower End
  • 100 Good men wanted
Additional Materials:
Required Vocabulary:
primary source document, poetry, personal letter, audience
Prior Content Knowledge:
Students will need to have an understanding of different types of literature, a basic knowledge of Abraham Lincoln's life and an awareness of the conflict and diversity of opinion which divided our country during the "great rebellion".
Technology Skills:
Technology skills which students will assist students are the ability to use search tools within the Library of Congress website. As extensions to learning, students will also be able to develop word processing skills and/or use power point to share information and present ideas.

Standards

Illinois Learning Standards:
1B2a,1B2b,1B2c, 1C2a, 1C2b, 1C2b, 1C2d, 1C2e, 2, 4A2b, 4B2a, 4B2b, 5B2a, 5c2a, 14D2, 16A2b, 16A2c
 
For information on specific Illinois Learning Standards go to www.isbe.state.il.us/ils/

Actions

Description of Teacher Actions:
Activating Prior Knowledge/Anticipatory Set
  1. Introduce lesson and use PowerPoint to develop ideas and solicit information from the student discussion.
  2. Review information about primary sources, Examine Primary sources in collaborative groups. Record information on data sheets. Share information, ideas and reflections in a whole group.
 
Student Investigative Activity
  1. Extensions-students may choose between looking at LOC website to find other Lincoln era documents and analyze as primary sources or write a letter or journal entry, or create a poster.
Best Instructional Practices:

Teaching for Understanding

Students have the opportunity to ask/search for additional sources to find answers to questions and the PowerPoint presentation encourages students to share ideas and allow for immediate feedback to check for understanding.

Differentiated Instruction

The selected primary sources are varied in their level of difficulty and students will have an opportunity to make a decision about which type of project they wish to complete.