Primary Source Instructional Design Toolkit

Created March 20, 2024 by Megan Simmons, Cynthia Jimes, Michelle Brennan

Develop a lesson or series of lessons around your primary source text set and learning objectives, with student tasks designed to promote close reading of the texts, in alignment with CCSS ELA and math literacy standards, as well as subject-specific standards.

1. View Completed Examples

To Do:

Review exemplar lessons created by other teachers in our network:

    • A CCSS-aligned, integrated 9-12 unit that explores human rights issues.
    • Two CCSS-aligned K-5 units that focus on technology and change.


2. Build the Lessons

To Do:

Use the blank exemplar template linked to below to begin building primary source-based lessons and units. 

    1. Open the Exemplar Template 
    2. Choose "Remix this resource" to begin. 

Reference Resources

3. Move to Next Step

Now that you have created your lesson or unit, gather tips and insights to help you implement and Teach the Lesson in the Classroom. 


Reference Collection

Need more information about designing lessons? Check out this helpful collection of reference resources on Curriculum Design.



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