Motivating Readers and Writers with Primary Sources

and Informational Text

Adapted from May 2014 PIIC presentation conducted by Stevie Kline and Michael Derman

Ticket in the Door

List 1-2 strategies you have used to motivate reluctant readers or writers. Write 1-2 lines describing how you could use primary sources to improve literacy skills.

Essential Question

What support can I provide teachers to help them incorporate primary sources and informational text?

Guiding QuestionsWhat are primary source documents?Why should teachers use primary source documents?How can this information fit naturally with different subject areas?Where can teachers find primary source documents and informational text?

PA Core StandardsReading for History & SS, Gr. 11-12Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole.

PA Core StandardsReading in Science & Technical Subjects, Gr. 6-12•Students read, understand, and respond to informational text – with emphasis on comprehension, making connections among ideas and between texts with focus on textual evidence.•By the end of grade 8, read and comprehend science/technical texts in the grades 6–8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.

Core-Standard Shifts 1Balancing Informational and Literary Text

Students read a true balance of informational and literary texts. Elementary school classrooms are, therefore, places where students access the world— science, social studies, the arts, and literature. At least 50% of what students read is informational.

Core-Standard Shifts 2Knowledge in the Disciplines

Content area teachers outside of the ELA classroom emphasize literacy experiences in their planning and instruction. Students learn through domain-specific texts in science and social studies classrooms—rather than referring to the text, they are expected to learn from what they read.

Speech Activity

Analyze the draft version of FDR’s Pearl Harbor speech, using Written Document Analysis Worksheet.

Table Share1. How did this analysis process affect your understanding of the primary source?2. What are the benefits of using a speech rough draft?3. In what content areas could you use this speech?

Table Share1. How did this analysis process affect your understanding of the primary source?2. What are the benefits of using a photo ?3. In what content areas could you use this photo ?

Guiding QuestionsWhat are primary source documents?Why should teachers use primary source documents?How can this information fit naturally with different subject areas?Where can teachers find primary source documents and informational text?

NewselaNewsela is free for students to explore a world of nonfiction and test their comprehension. Updated daily with real-world news form major publications, students can participate in conversation about the most urgent topics of our time, all while becoming stronger readers. 

Where can I find Primary Sources and Informational

Text?Explore the Primary and Informational Text links provided on the Wiki.Complete the AEIOU Protocol sheet