Introducing a Timeline: Part
One
Overview:
Putting historical events in chronological order is sometimes complex, especially for younger students. Understanding B.C.E. (before common era) and C.E. (common era) for example, can be confusing. This lesson introduces timelines, allowing students to start organizing events in their own lives chronologically.
Objective:
Elementary students will think about their own life in a timeline and recognize a sequence of events. Learning this skill will facilitate future timelines for historical events or specific eras.
Grade level/Subject
area:
Ø Elementary K – 2
Ø Social Studies
Ø
Ø US History
Materials: rulers, pre-cut timeline paper, crayons, list of events
Instructional Strategies:
Ask students to correctly place the following events on their timeline:
Ø Winter break
Ø My birthdate
Ø My first day of school
Ø Summer vacation
Conclusion:
Ø Write three questions on the board, reinforcing the opening activity (when was the first day of school, when is your birthday?)
Ø Place students with a partner and allow them to answer the questions together using their timelines. Instruct them to switch timelines and answer the questions following their partner's timeline.
Closing:
Ø Students can display their timelines around the classroom, on the walls or on a bulletin board.
Ø Have them view their classmate’s timeline, and see if there are any similarities with their own timelines.
Assessment:
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Ø Answer questions about events on their timelines
Ø Correctly place events on their timelines
Ø Compare and contrast their timelines with a classmate’s
This lesson
correlates to the following
BY
LEVEL: FOUNDATIONS (Grades 1-3) STANDARD 1: HISTORY
Students analyze the human experience through time,
recognize the relationships of events and people, and interpret significant
patterns, themes, ideas, beliefs, and turning points in
1SS-F1.
Demonstrate the ability to place events in chronological sequence, with
emphasis on :
(Note:
Historical research and analytical skills are to be learned and applied to the
content standards for grades 1-3.)