We believe that timelines are an extremely valuable tool. By memorizing a timeline children are given the background knowledge on which they can place information that they are later taught. They gain the ability to develop a sense of what each historic era means, and to connect larger movements. {More on the value of timelines}
We have chosen to aid in the memorization of this timeline through the use of picture cards, spoken word, and hand motions. These provide a memory aid that is not only visual, but auditory and kinesthetic, reaching all students.
Using the timeline cards:
The timeline cards that we distributed have a short summary of each event listed on the back This is an essential part of your child's preparation for their history class.
Below the summary you will find a section with suggested resources. These are books which cover the subject in more detail. None are required for class, but you may find them helpful in order to study the topic more deeply with your student.
Your cards came with a white slip of paper printed with a complete list of all of the suggested resources, along with how often they are referred to. Obviously, some are used much more than others.
If you are considering buying only one of these books, make sure you choose one that is listed as "priority 1." Personally, I enjoy the History of US series (books 1-4) by Hakim - they are approx. $10 each, and are wonderfully written.
Our timeline hand motions will be recorded and posted regularly. You will find them both here on the FAITH site, and in your weekly e-mails along with the class summaries.
Sheryl G.
