Primary Source and Literature Store

UPDATED-- This resource now includes a Google Slides version that teachers and students may write on or make changes to. This resource makes an excellent substitute activity. It also works as a supplement for an Age of Exploration unit. In ELA classes it serves as a readable informational text. The primary sources are excerpts from Columbus' letter to Luis de Sant Angel and from Columbus' journal of his first voyage to America. A brief historical background provides a proper setting for the sour

UPDATED-- This resource now includes a Google Slides version that teachers and students may write on or make changes to. This resource is great for introducing students to primary sources. Each primary source excerpt is at least a half page in length. Some are a page and a half. There are two primary sources from Christopher Columbus, one from Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca and one from a Native American chief named Acuera. The excerpts focus on cultural and social interactions between European Exp

UPDATED-- This resource now includes a Google Slides version that teachers and students may write on or make changes to. This resource is a great supplement for an Age of Exploration unit. It can be a great informational text activity for ELA classes. The length is suitable for a substitute assignment. The excerpt from Cabeza de Vaca's personal narrative shows that explorers could treat Native Americans with respect. Students write paragraph answers to reading questions. Students also work with

This resource is in PDF format with a link to a Google Slides version. Teachers can edit this resource, and students may complete their work electronically. It will bring humor into a Renaissance history unit. It can be a great literary text activity for ELA classes. The length is suitable for a substitute assignment. This resource has one page of background information with a page and a half excerpt from Don Quixote. Students answer reading questions. Students also work with vocabulary context

This resource includes a PDF and a Google Slides version. It is based off of the AP history test. I used public domain sources. There is an adapted text version for regular ed. students, and an unaltered text version for AP students. The excerpts include an image of a Renaissance library and selections from "Don Quixote," "Gargantua and Pantagruel" and "The Prince." The humor in "Gargantua and Pantagruel" can be offensively critical of Catholicism. Please look at the preview to see if it will wo

This resource includes a PDF and Google Slides version. Teachers may edit the Google Slides version. Assignments may be completed within a student's Google Drive. "Gargantua and Pantagruel" contains some offensive humor. The selection in this resource is a satire on the Catholic Church, monks and nuns. Please read the preview to see if it fits the needs of your curriculum and students. The preview contains the entire resource, and it is readable. Although the humor is rude, I think students will

This resource includes a PDF and Google Slides version. Teachers may edit the Google Slides version to their liking. Assignments may be completed within a student's Google Drive. Machiavelli is mostly known for writing "The Prince." In "The Prince," Machiavelli supports dictatorial forms of government. However, he also wrote "The Discourses on Livy" that support a form of democracy. This resource has students read selections from both of these writings. Students will come to their own conclusion

This resource includes a PDF and Google Slides version. Students may do the assignments using their Google Drives, and teachers may make any changes they wish to the Google Slides version. It is a great resource for teaching the humanism of the Renaissance. The Rabelais excerpt might be offensive to some students. At times Rabelais rudely criticizes the Catholic Church. However, it is sarcastically humorous, and his excerpt is excellent for introducing students to satire. Please browse the reada

UPDATED-- This resource now includes a Google Slides version that teachers and students may write on or make changes to. This primary source is a Native American speech from the 1500's. It is a unique source that can supplement an Age of Exploration unit. Most primary sources of this period come from explorers, so this resource brings a fresh voice to the time period. It can also be used as an informational text in ELA classes. It is just the right length for a substitute lesson. Students comple

This Age of Exploration resource contains a Google Slides version and a PDF version. Teachers can make changes as needed, and students can do the assignment electronically. Students read excerpts of one or two paragraphs each. The primary sources were written by explorers Christopher Columbus, Cabeza de Vaca and a Native American chief named Acuera. There is a slightly adapted English language practice test for non-AP students. The AP practice test, also included, retains the more challenging or

This resource is an excellent supplement for an Age of Exploration unit. It can also be used for an informational reading supplement in English language arts classes. It will make a great assignment for a substitute. The historical background is six paragraphs. The excerpt from "The Pasqualigo Letter" is three paragraphs. These sections together are the perfect length to keep students engaged and well informed. Students write paragraph answers to reading questions. Students also work with vocab