Description
History comes alive when young learners have the opportunity to explore authentic artifacts, photographs, and images from the past. Looking for engaging ways to build curiosity and inquiry skills while introducing students to historical thinking? In this course, Christine Romano shares practical strategies for using primary sources with K–2 students to spark observation, questioning, and discussion. Educators will explore simple routines such as "I Notice, I Wonder," comparing historical and contemporary photographs, artifact investigations, and creating a classroom history corner. Participants will also learn how to integrate primary sources into literacy and social studies instruction to support inquiry-based learning. By the end of this course, educators will walk away with ready-to-implement strategies, practical resources, and step-by-step guidance for helping young learners explore history through curiosity and discovery.
Objectives
- Identify different types of primary sources appropriate for young learners.
- Explain how primary sources support inquiry, observation, and historical thinking skills.
- Use questioning routines and discussion strategies to engage students in primary source analysis.
- Compare historical and contemporary sources to support student observation and inquiry.
- Assess the effectiveness of primary source activities in promoting curiosity and engagement.
- Design learning experiences that integrate primary sources into literacy and social studies instruction.
