Library of Congress: Teacher Site

I was reading through the Library of Congress blog last week and came across an entry of interest.

We have been emphasizing the use of primary resources in the classroom recently, and the Library of Congress is one of the primary resources that we used in our trainings. This LOC offering is an excellent tool for teachers – and students – to use in learning how to utilize the LOC as a powerful resource for the classroom.

The article was titled “New Teachers Site Is All Class”, and is one that is worth reading. If you click here you will go to a LOC page called “Resources for Teachers”, which lists classroom materials the teacher can access and use, as well as the professional development available. If you click on TPS Direct you will link to the first of six self-paced professional development modules: Introduction to the Library of Congress. The other modules will be added

As you go through the module, take your time – even if you ‘know’ what it’s talking about. First, it’s a good refresher and second, it doesn’t take all that long. I went through the “Getting Started” portion of the module prior to beginning the program.

I’ve started the initial course – am on Chapter 4 of 7 chapters - and am finding the material engaging, informative, and useful. I believe at the end the participant receives a certificate – which you can use to get inservice hours in our District’s Professional Development plan.

Just heed this bit of advice… don’t skip anything as you go through.

Essential question: How could the use of Primary Resources be used to enhance a student’s reading and analytical skills?

Letters of the Delegates

The Library of Congress has wonderful online resources for the Social Studies teacher. I came across one the other day while ‘surfing’ through the American Memory portal of the LOC webpage: Letters of the Delegates.

This site contains links to letters and diary entries of many of the delegates to the Continental Congress, and covers the years 1774 – 1788. It is easy to navigate through the letters, as the initial division is by date – usually covering a three to five month block. Once you link to that three-to-five month block, the names of the authors of these letters are show. If the document is a letter, it also shows whom the letter is to.

An example of some of the insight provided by perusing this collection: A letter from John Hancock to George Washington on May 16, 1776, inviting the General to Philadelphia to discuss matters with Congress – and offering to share his residence with General Washington and his wife.

Sir, Philadelphia May 16th. 1776. I do myself the Honour to enclose you several Resolutions passed by the Congress, to which I beg Leave to refer you. The Congress being of Opinion, that it is necessary, as well for your Health, as the public Service, that you should embrace the earliest opportunity of coming to Philadelphia, have directed me to write to you, and request, that you will repair to Philada. as soon as you can conveniently, in order to consult with Congress, upon such Measures as may be necessary for the carrying on the ensuing Campaign. I hope the Situation of the great Affairs with which you are entrusted, will admit your making this Excursion, which I apprehend may be serviceable to your Health. In which Case, I request the Favour that you will please to honour me with your and your Lady's Company at my House, where I have a Bed at your Service during your Continuance here, and where every Endeavour of mine and Mrs. Hancock, shall be exerted to make your Abode agreeable. I reside in an airy, open Part of the City in Arch Street and Fourth Street. If this should be agreeable to you, it will afford me much Pleasure.”

This site is one to be explored! If you decide to explore it, feel free to share any discoveries or interesting tidbits.

Essential Question: How can the personal views found in the Letters of the Delegates be effectively used in our history, government, and civics classes?

Follow-up to the Primary Resource Training

It has been and exciting and enlightening time for our Citrus County Social Studies teachers with George and Carolyn Breaz, our trainers for the Primary Resource training we are engaged in. At the end of the two day session you will need to meet the follow-up requirement for our trainings.

This is fairly simple: you are going to make a blog entry.

Each participant will be required to submit one blog entry. The criteria for this post is:

1. Target date for delivery to either your staff or students

2. Links to resources you are going to use

3. Comment on outcome of your presentation with reflection that could mention:

• problems that occurred;
• what you did well;
• didn’t do well;
• and/or what you might change.

You need to both present your lesson and make your blog entry prior to Christmas break.

In order to successfully post, you might need to register with the blog. It's simple, easy, and safe to do. You will have to register on googleblog. Last name, first initial is usually a good way to go.