Explain that reading “around” a document” involves quickly scanning the document—avoiding the main body of the document for the moment. Suggest that peripheral clues to understanding the documents may include the following features:
• type and condition of the paper used,
• the structure of the documents,
• main headings,
• stamps or markings,
• opening and closing salutations.
As they examine these features, encourage students to consider questions such as:
• Format: What is the format of the document? How did the authors address the intended recipient of the document?
• Role: Who wrote the document? How did the authors sign the document?
• Audience: To whom were they writing? How did the authors address the intended recipient of the document? How did the authors sign the document?
Direct students to add to and delete evidence and conclusions from their copy of the worksheet Reading historical documents based on their read “in” the text.
