This post is from contributor, Judy Hoch
A timeline is a valuable tool to help children learn and visualize history. If you want to begin a timeline but don’t have enough space for a wall timeline, you may find that a timeline notebook would be a great option for your family.
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How to Make a Timeline Notebook
Supplies needed:
- 3-ring binder – Choose the size of your binder based on how many years you plan to include in the timeline notebook. Keep in mind that while a one-inch binder holds approximately 100 sheets of paper, it will hold fewer pages when using thicker cardstock. I recommend a heavy-duty binder to be sure that it will hold up to plenty of use.
- Page protectors – Page protectors make it a cinch to slide pages out in order to view them as a continuous picture of history. If you prefer not to use page protectors, you can simply punch holes in the cardstock pages instead.
- White cardstock – Plain white cardstock is very inexpensive and can be found in the office supply section of most department stores.
- Printable timeline template – We use these free printable timeline notebook pages, available in lined or unlined versions with dates from 5000 B.C. through A.D. 2024.
Assembly:
- Print the timeline notebook pages for the dates desired. I highly recommend one-sided printing, so that the timeline pages can be pulled out and laid end to end for a great visual picture of history.
- Insert pages into page protectors (or simply punch with a 3-hole punch) and put into the binder.
Optional ideas:
- Encourage your child to draw or design a special cover for the front of the binder.
- If you are making one large timeline notebook covering all of history, you may want to use dividers to separate the timeline notebook into historic periods.
- Include a pencil bag at the front of the binder to hold supplies: colored pencils, scissors, and timeline figures that are waiting to be added to the notebook.
What tips do you have for making a timeline notebook?
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Judy Hoch is a homeschooling mom of seven children, ranging in age from toddler to teen. In between lessons and laundry, she finds time to compile lists of free Kindle books and create hymn study units. She blogs about homeschooling, homemaking, and large family living at Contented at Home. Connect with Judy on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, and Pinterest.
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Thanks for putting this together. Very helpful. I am all done homeschooling my family but now I am a history teacher in a coop. 🙂
I love this! I would love to add dividers behind the timeline that would separate by decade or century (or millennium… Whatever made sense!) and have a page description for each event we studied! Then the event could be noted on the timeline, and referenced via the tabs! Love this idea! I’m excited to start homeschooling!