Gave it a go

Today I implemented the literacy strategy of finding common denominators in different sources. While planning this lesson, the most difficult part was, as Ben mentioned, finding good sources to use. I had an idea to have students read about various perspectives during the Crusades, but I couldn't find good enough sources to use for them to have a meaningful task associated with the readings.

Instead, I found a primary and a secondary source discussing the Black Plague. I tried this in all of my classes (since they're all the same) and the students seemed to do really well with it so far. In their groups, they were to read either the secondary or primary source (I chose which students would read which source in order to differentiate). They had a piece of paper with two columns labeled "Primary" and "Secondary" that they took notes on as they read. They were to write down important information and key points from their reading. Tomorrow, students will discuss their reading with the others at their table so that they can compare both sources.

I think I would use this strategy again if I could find good sources and activities to make sure students are getting something out of it. It lends itself well to differentiation, which is something I feel that lots of teachers struggle with. Overall, I am satisfied with this first implementation of this strategy.