Thursday, October 29, 2009

Book of Years


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".

6 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. Hi Jeanne,

    I'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!

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  3. Fabulous idea! I'd love to see pictures!

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  4. I'll be pleased to post some once we have one made up!

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  5. LOVE your idea! I hope to see photos once you get some! :)

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