Primary Source Criteria

I came across a blog post "Teaching with the Library of Congress" that discusses using primary sources with your students. Some of Alan November's thoughts were reiterated but also I found list of criteria that should be used when picking a source to be very helpful.This is an excerpt from the blog:

• "Content: Will your students want to look closely, ask questions, and learn more about this particular primary source?
• Age-appropriateness: Is the content suitable for your students? Is it too complex?
• Length: Will the length of the letter, diary entry, or newspaper article affect student comprehension? Is an excerpt more appropriate?
• Readability of text or handwriting: Is text clearly printed and legible? Will cursive handwriting impact your students’ understanding?
• Reading level of students: Will your students be able to decode the text of the primary source?
• Prior knowledge needed (historical; vocabulary): Do outdated terms need to be defined? Will your students understand the content of the primary source?"

For more information and to read the rest of the series see below.

http://blogs.loc.gov/teachers/2011/07/selecting-primary-sources-part-i-knowing-your-students/