Timelines are graphic organizers that show information in chronological order. They are useful for displaying key ideas and will help students organize the information they read. Although social studies topics come to mind first, timelines can be useful in other subjects as well. Timelines can be used to sequence a story, list procedures in a science experiment, or steps in solving a math problem.
Here are some benefits of using timelines in lessons:
1. Timelines enable students to break down larger amounts of information into smaller, easier-to-comprehend bits of information. Breaking down information can promote a greater understanding of a topic.
2. Timeline graphic organizers provide a visual representation of content. They can be helpful to visual learners, English language learners, and special needs students.
3. Timelines are useful for teaching research skills and note-taking. Elementary-grade students who are just beginning to research and take notes can use a timeline to display the most important parts of their findings. Timelines help students focus on key ideas to include when presenting research.
How to introduce timelines to your students:
1. Show students examples.
The examples can be timelines you find online, drawn on the board, or even made on poster board.
2. Create a timeline together.
You can begin by creating a timeline of a typical school day. Draw a timeline format on the board and label "arrival" at the beginning of the timeline. Students can write activities and subject areas in chronological order along with corresponding times.
3. Assign independent or partner timeline research and creation.
Be sure to assign or suggest topics that spark interest! Students can create a timeline of fun topics on bulletin board paper, poster board, or printables such as this resource:
Timelines make learning so much easier!
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