How to Make a Time Line

A time line can be a valuable tool in history and English classes. Time lines can be used as a visual aid during a presentation on either an event in history or the events that occurred in a novel. Time lines can also be used as a study guide to help better understand events and the order in which they occurred. Creating a time line can be as simple or elaborate as you make it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Paper or poster board
• Pencil with eraser
• Ruler
• Colored markers (optional)

1. Decide on the events that are most important and need to be placed on the time line.
2. Order the events chronologically. Put the number 1 beside the first event that happened, then a 2 beside the second event that happened and so on until all of your events are in order.
3. Collect supplies such as paper or poster board, a pencil with an eraser, a ruler and colored markers.
4. Draw one straight line with a pencil across the middle of your paper or poster board, when the paper is placed horizontally.
5. Mark along the center line in even spaces the number of events you are going to place. For example, if you have six events, make six evenly spaced small marks along the center line.
6. Extend the marks in straight lines perpendicular to the center line, alternating if the line extends above or below the center line. If there are six events, line 1 would go above the center, while line 2 would go below, line 3 would go above and so on.
7. Write the event above or below the line that it corresponds with. Line 1 will have event 1 written above it, and line 2 will have event 2 written below it. Continue this pattern until all of the events are placed with a line.
8. Decorate the time line if time allows.

Tips & Warnings

• Measure carefully and be sure to make straight lines when using the time line as a presentation tool or as a school project in history or English.
• Type the events, print them, cut each one out individually and paste them onto poster board to make the time line look more professional.
• Add meaningful pictures to make a more interesting visual aid.