Curricula and Learning Links - Classical Education
History Timelines and History Notebooks
How can I create a history timeline?
Lorinda: We have a large poster done bulls eye fashion. Each circle is a time period and within that circle we place one or two words about an event. (We have little wall space.) The center is the beginning and the outer circle is current time (gives more room when more things happen.) Each circle is drawn in a different color and the entries match that color so that it's easier to see which entries belong to which time period. Just the basics on this poster, but at least he can see how things relate to each other in one place.
We also have a modified Book of Centuries. I bought a 3-ring binder (3") and 6 sets of 8 clear dividers. I began with 2001 and an arrow showing that it goes up from there, as my last divider. Then went back with 100 years on each tab to the year zero. I made a separate section for Christ (in red)(we'll do his life separately and more thoroughly than anyone else's) and then continued BC and ended with a separate section for Creation (in red). The BC dates are in blue and the AD dates in black, just to make it easier to see. You can then not only use the dividers for timelines, but you can put maps, essays, book reports, and anything else too large to fit on the timeline itself behind the divider. Put these things in plastic protectors as flipping through frequently will cause damage.
This can be added to indefinitely - you can even add card stock behind the dividers if you find you need more room for an expanded timeline.
What all do you include in history notebooks? How do you go about organizing the notebooks?
Cindy: Our history notebook for the Middle Ages includes: Vocabulary- I designed a sheet on which the student writes the word, a synonym, and a sentence using the word. I bought A-Z tabbed dividers and put put one vocabulary sheet behind each tab, so the kids make their own "dictionary" as they go. Every now and then I have them review the A- G words, for example and quiz each other on them.
Timeline- I have several pages of card stock, each covering about 50 year, 100 years each 2-page spread. As we read through Greenleaf' Famous Men, the kids write a one-paragraph summary on a 3x5 card for each person and glue it on their timeline.
Literature- This is handled on the timeline by folding a 3x5 card in half to represent a book. The kids design a cover or copy the one from the real book they've read about the time period (Vikings, Joan of Arc, The Door in the Wall, etc.) They must have the title and Author on the front. Inside they write a brief review of the book. They glue this on the timeline on the the appropriate century's page.
Writing- I use Middle Ages Story Starters and Imitations in Writing's Medieval Legends to integrate writing. Writing is kept in this section.
Art- I buy middle ages coloring books by Dover and the kids color these as I read aloud about and hour a day. Other art goes here as well.
Worksheets and Maps- This is where I put outline maps I print from the Internet, interesting tidbits I come across, and generally anything that doesn't go anywhere else. This is a great category for those of us who find all sorts of stuff on the Web and don't know what to do with it!
Lists and Logs- I create blank lists with the following. Kids keep these updated weekly:
- Books I have Read
- Projects and Videos
- Field Trip Log
This has been by far the most straightforward, non gimmicky, and effective school year we have ever had. The kids take pride in showing their work and updating their notebooks.
Find more free curricula and resources on HomeschoolChristian.com's Curricula Page Index! See more Charlotte Mason and Classical Resources.
