Find a collection of downloadable graphic organizers that you can edit and print on Thinkport.
Evaluating Sources
SOAPSTone Method
Graphic organizers are great tools to support all students with finding meaning in primary sources. There are two additional strategies that can be incorporated into your classroom to help students refine their observation and reflection skills. The first tool is called SOAPSTone. Appropriate for use as early as elementary school, SOAPSTone provides guiding questions that can benefit all students as they look closely at primary sources.
Click each box below for questions that can help your students focus their observation skills as they analyze sources and conduct research.
CRAAP Method
The second tool is called the CRAAP Test. While your middle and high school students may giggle at the name, they probably won’t forget it! This tool, designed for older students, provides guiding questions to help evaluate sources. This tool is especially useful when evaluating secondary sources, as it emphasizes looking closely at the source of the information. Answering these questions can help students focus their observation and analysis skills.
