CLASS 1
In small groups, have the students discuss what events have been important in their lives and how these events have shaped them. They should begin with their birth and continue through current day. As students discuss, have them make a list of the events that have made them “who they are.” The list can include birthdays, moving, changing schools, the birth of a sibling, new pets, travel, vacation, sports, musical training, etc. It can also include divorce, the death of a friend or relative, or other important events. Through the small group discussions, the students will come away with an idea of what makes them unique, as well as understanding the things that they have in common with others.
The students should then draft a timeline of the years of their life, adding the important events to the timeline.
Encourage the students to take the timeline “draft” home to share with their family for accuracy. They should begin a search for “memorabilia”—photos, papers, trinkets, tickets, programs, etc. that will illustrate these important events. Give each student a paper sack to help them organize and collect. They can store the items at school and the sack can be taken home and returned.
CLASS 2 and 3
Over a period of a week, students will collect “memorabilia” to attach to their timeline.
Have students begin the construction of their “timeline journal.”
Remind them of the “linear” quality of a timeline. Show them the available materials and make sure they are aware of the following criteria:
1. The “journal” should be linear in quality (in that a continuous line could be drawn from beginning to end, the line need not be straight).
2. The “journal” should stand on its own for display purposes.
3. The “journal” should be designed so that it can hold “memorabilia” in the designated locations on the timeline.
4. The “journal” should be constructed in a way that is strong, visually attractive, easy to read, and meets the criteria and the purpose of a timeline.
Students will continue to work on the timeline journal for two class periods (of however much time the teacher sees fit). They will:
- They will construct the journal using paper, tag board, cardboard, and other materials available, keeping the criteria in mind.
- When students are satisfied with the “form” of their journal, they will sketch their timeline in pencil through the journal.
- In pencil, they will write in the year markings and illustrate where the photos and memorabilia will be attached.
- When students are satisfied with their timeline, they should write over the pencil using writing materials: pen, markers, Sharpie, colored pencils, etc.
- Students will attach memorabilia using glue (or special mounting tape from the scrapbook store).
- Students will add stamps, images, pictures, or other found printed material to their journal to give it a collage effect.
CLASS 4
Students should finish the timeline journal and complete a written self evaluation. The self evaluation will be a major part of the assessment.