Learning Materials / Strategies




B2. Keeping Track: A Family Timeline
 
Students will reflect on the kinds of events that help shape a family's growth and development, and then make a timeline.

What You Need

    Lined writing paper
    Newsprint
    Oak tag strips 4" wide
    Rulers, yardstick or other straight edge
    Masking tape

What to Do

    Explain to students that timelines are often used to show the progression of historical periods. Timelines show, in chronological order, the important people, events and ideas that identify a particular time and place. Explain to students that they will be creating their own family timelines from their birth to the present.

    Ask students to brainstorm a list of significant family events that have occurred each year since they were born. Some examples include: the birth of other siblings, family trips, moves, new jobs, going to school, special family events and activities.

    Have students make their timelines, taping strips of oak tag together, as necessary. They may add drawings or symbols to highlight their most favorite events. Place the completed timelines on bulletin boards or walls, inviting students to explain their timelines.

TEACHER OPTIONS

    Students may wish to add significant historical events to their timelines.

    Students may invent a timeline for the next 11 - 12 years.

    Students may choose the one event they feel had the greatest impact on their family and write about it in further detail.



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