An important part of keeping Historical events straight for a student is a Book of Centuries. This is generally started in year 3 or 4 - before that either things are done with a family Book of Centuries, or else a Timeline or Timechart is used for the earlier years. (I think the timeline helps more with the continuity concept for the younger student.)
This is, of course, not a new concept. It is easily done with a page for every 50 years, causing a 100-year spread across the pages of a book. Many people will make the pages hold more years in the BC and earlier times, and hold less years in the later years - although I do wonder if that can cause confusion in the younger student.
I have also recently heard it suggested that for US (or Canadian) history, that a "Book of Decades" might be useful - because of the large number of things that occur in the last couple of centuries. I think this is a great idea.
Well, I had what I think is a great idea. I was thinking that we should make a "Book of Years" - actually a few of them. A 100 page book will give a beautiful space to put major events of each year of a person's life on a page. (even a 2 page spread). What a great way to learn about mom and dad during that portion of family history. And what a lovely way to keep track of each child's life - letting them pick out a few events to put in their book. I think this could create a treasured keepsake without a lot of work for "mom" as each child starts to take care of each of thier own "Book of Years".
I like the idea of a book of the last hundred years! I may just join you in doing one of these. The concept of time is really difficult for the youngies. This may just help!! Thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanne,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you like the idea - but it wasn't exactly for the last 100 years - it was 1 year a page for a person's life.... So there would be a Book of Years (Mom) - and a Book of Years (Dad) - and a Book of Years for each child. Possibly a Book of Years for the Grandparents too..... Although I can see the value in a generic one for the last 100 years....
I kind of pictured the one for a person having a picture of that person at that age (if you have one) - and any big events (including historic events....) - It would have personal things you remember (like "I went to school at such and such school and my teacher was so-and-so". I remember playing with April, May, and June - and we used to skip rope all recess) Or "When I heard about the attack on the Trade Center, I was about to start work, and went to the break room to get my large cup of ice-water, and everyone was watching the TV screens...."
Hope that helps!
Fabulous idea! I'd love to see pictures!
ReplyDeleteI'll be pleased to post some once we have one made up!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your idea! I hope to see photos once you get some! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDelete