American Revolution Primary Source Activity for 4th-grade students.   Social Studies/History    3 - 5  

    One like 2 comments 76 views 23 clicks
    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ghmkb0x66wIhdHtNpw0ToSL83lZJ3T4L/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104070904157931337586&rtpof=true&sd=true
    Link was originally created in July 20-22 Library of Congress On Site Workshop. View original Link here.
    Comments displayed by creation date
    Replies displayed by creation date

    Hi Sharon,

    Neat activity. 

    I do want to point out a couple of primary sources that you may want to reconsider.

    This one on Paul Revere is not actually about Paul Revere, it's about William Jennings Bryan and dates to 1904.  https://www.loc.gov/item/2011645534/

    Technically, this one is not a primary source because it was painted by N.C. Wyeth, who was not born until long after Revere was dead.   https://www.loc.gov/item/cph13631/

    This one on the French and Indian War is a secondary source as it is from 1855, 100 years after the event.  https://www.loc.gov/item/2006691550/

    This cartoon was published in 1929 and deals with taxes in 1929, not prior to the Revolution, so may be confusing for kids.  https://www.loc.gov/item/2016678849/

    This is a lovely magazine, but also not a primary source. It was published in 1936.  Mount Vernon was a house museum by that time and many things like this were printed specifically to stir nostalgia and patriotism and weren't necessarily accurate history.  https://www.loc.gov/item/musdcmicon.0398/

    There are some excellent primary sources in these collections at the Library -- and all can be downloaded.

    https://guides.loc.gov/american-revolution

    https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/george-washington-first-in-war-first-in-peace-and-first-in-the-hearts-of-his-countrymen/

    The Museum of the American Revolution has images of artifacts (primary sources), including General Washington's field tent, that your students may find fascinating along with the images and documents.  https://www.amrevmuseum.org/learn-and-explore/collection

    Thank you for sharing! 

    Testimonials

    • I love that there is new info on the site daily!
      Christi C.
      High School Teacher
    • I had a wonderful time working with the Library of Congress and learning about all of the resources at my fingertips!
      Kathleen S.
      High School Teacher
    • The TPS Teachers Network has an equal exchange of ideas. You know it's not a place where you're being judged.
      Kelly P.
      Preschool Teacher
    • My colleagues post incredibly fine resources and ideas....the caliber of the suggestions and resources make me feel that I take a lot from it. It's a takeaway. And I hope that I can give back as much as I get.
      Neme A.
      Elementary School Teacher
    • Going into this school year, I have a fantastic new resource for my own instruction and to share with my colleagues!
      Alyssa P.
      Elementary School Teacher
    • I am very glad that I discovered the TPS Teachers Network through RQI. Great resources can be hard to find out there on the internet!
      Michael
      High School Teacher

    Overview