Understanding Time: Historical Timelines for Kids – history series 3

Introduction

Understanding the concept of time is crucial when learning about history. History is not just a collection of random events—it is a continuous story that unfolds over time. In this article, we’ll explore how children can grasp the idea of periods, dates, and timelines, showing them how to see history as a series of interconnected events. With activities and discussions, they will learn how events are connected and how they fit into the broader timeline of world history.

1. Guiding Children to Understand Periods, Dates, and Timelines

When teaching children about history, it’s essential to help them understand the basic structure of time. Here’s how to break it down:

• Periods: A period refers to a specific span of years when certain events took place. For example, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, or the Industrial Revolution. Each period has unique characteristics that define it.
• Dates: Specific years mark important events. Children can learn how to associate key dates with significant historical moments, like 1492 (Columbus discovering America).
• Timelines: A timeline is a visual representation of events in chronological order. It helps kids see how events are spaced out over time and how they relate to one another.

By teaching children these concepts, they will better understand how events fit together and unfold over time.

2. How to Create Timelines and Connect Events Over Time

Creating a timeline is an excellent way for children to visualize history. Here’s a simple guide to help kids create their historical timelines:

Steps to Create a Timeline:

1. Pick a Theme: Start by choosing a particular historical event or period. For example, “The Silk Road” (2nd Century BCE – 14th Century CE) or “The Renaissance” (14th – 17th Century).
2. Research Key Dates: Gather information about important dates and milestones related to the theme.
3. Arrange Events Chronologically: Place the dates and events in order, from the earliest to the latest.
4. Draw the Timeline: Use a straight line on paper or digitally, marking key dates at appropriate intervals. Label each point with the event’s name and date.
5. Connect the Events: Show how one event leads to another. For example, how World War I set the stage for World War II or how ancient civilizations led to modern governance.

Example Timeline: The Silk Road Timeline:

2nd Century BCE – The Silk Road is formally established during the Han Dynasty (China) under Emperor Wu (141-87 BCE), who sends Zhang Qian as an envoy to explore westward trade routes.

1st Century BCE – Trade begins flourishing, with silk, spices, and other goods travelling from China to the Roman Empire, passing through Central Asia, Persia, and India.

4th Century CE – The Roman Empire’s demand for silk grows, strengthening the economic and cultural exchanges between East and West.

7th – 9th Century CE – The Tang Dynasty (China) and the Islamic Caliphates boosted Silk Road commerce, with Baghdad emerging as a major centre for trade.

13th Century CE – The Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan controls vast portions of the Silk Road, facilitating safer and more extensive trade.

14th Century CE – The decline of the Mongol Empire, along with the rise of maritime trade routes, leads to the gradual decline of the Silk Road’s prominence.

1453 CE – The fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire marks the end of the overland Silk Road, as sea routes become more important for international trade.

By connecting events, children can see that history isn’t just isolated moments but rather a sequence of related actions that shaped the world.

3. How Different Events Are Part of a Larger, Interconnected Story

One of the key things to teach children is that no event happens in isolation. Every major historical event is influenced by what came before it and, in turn, affects what happens next. This interconnectedness is what makes history so rich and complex.

Examples of Historical Connections:

• The Fall of Rome: The collapse of the Roman Empire in 476 CE didn’t just affect Europe—it led to the Middle Ages, the spread of Christianity, and eventually the Renaissance.
• The Age of Exploration: Explorers like Columbus didn’t just “discover” new lands. Their voyages opened the door to trade, colonization, and cultural exchange, affecting societies around the world.
• The Industrial Revolution: This period in the 18th and 19th centuries transformed the world. The invention of new machines didn’t just change how people worked—it affected how they lived, led to urbanization, and sparked new social movements.

Understanding these connections helps children realise that history is a web of events, each influencing the other.

4. Identify Activity: Understanding a Historic Event Timeline

This activity helps children dive deeper into a specific historical event and its stages.

Steps:

1. Choose a Historic Event: Ask the child to pick a historical event they know well (e.g., the American Revolution, or the fall of the Berlin Wall).
2. Break it Down into Stages: Once they’ve selected the event, break it into its major stages. For example:
   • Stage 1: The beginning (What caused the event?)
   • Stage 2: The middle (What were the main events or turning points?)
   • Stage 3: The end (How did the event conclude?)
3. What Happened in Each Stage?: Ask the child to explain what happened in each stage.
4. Impact of Each Stage: Discuss how each stage influenced the next. For instance, how the Soviet Union’s space advancements pushed the U.S. to prioritize its space program.
5. Reflect on the Overall Impact: Ask the child to reflect on the broader significance of the event. How did it shape the future? For example, the Space Race sparked technological advancements that impact our lives today, such as satellites and GPS.

5. Critical Thinking Discussion with Parents: Comparing Similar Historic Events

This discussion encourages children and parents to think critically about history by comparing similar events that happened in different geographic areas or periods.

Steps for the Discussion:

1. Choose Two Events: Select two events that are similar but occurred in different times or places. For example:
   • The American Revolution (1775-1783) vs. The French Revolution (1789-1799)
   • The fall of the Roman Empire (476 CE) vs. The fall of the Byzantine Empire (1453 CE)
2. Analyze the Timelines: Compare the timelines of each event.
   • Did they unfold in similar ways?
   • Were there similar stages (beginning, turning point, conclusion)?
   • How long did each event take?
3. Compare the Causes and Outcomes: Reflect on why these events occurred and what happened as a result. For example:
   • Did the revolutions happen for similar reasons (e.g., desire for independence or equality)?
   • How did the outcomes differ? For instance, the American Revolution led to the establishment of a new country, while the French Revolution led to internal chaos and eventually a new emperor.
4. Discuss the Impact of Each Stage: Consider how each stage of the events influenced the others. Did similar actions lead to similar outcomes, or did they differ due to cultural, geographical, or social factors?
5. Reflection: Conclude by discussing why these events are similar or different. What can we learn from comparing them? Why do some events follow a similar pattern across history?

Conclusion

Understanding timelines is key to grasping history. By learning how to create and analyze historical timelines, children can see how events unfold and connect over time. This helps them appreciate that history is not just a series of disconnected events but a larger story that has shaped the world we live in today. Through activities and critical discussions, children can deepen their understanding of the past and its continued impact on the present.