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Timeline
Here is a picture of the timeline we have started recently. I looked and looked online and around for the best way to do a timeline. There are SO many options! This one, in my opinion, made it easy to change and add things without having to re-do the entire line to add something, etc. I found this idea on the blog, Higher Up and Further In, and here is a link to where her description is, if you want more information.
Basically you take some string, tack it up on the wall and then add your timeline cards with a paper clip. I am using the smaller sizes index cards. Some of the pictures I draw, some I have printed off of google image, some are photos of our family members and some are even stickers. We are also adding pictures of our artists as we learn about them. We are learning about 1 artist per approximately 2 months. So, we have 2 artists up so far. Here is a good site where you can print off artists pictures.
We are using Five in a Row as our main curriculum. Anytime we read about a historical figure in one of our stories, we will add it to the timeline. We are also using History for Little Pilgrims just as a read-aloud. This book starts from the beginning, which is what I was wanting. So, as we read about a new Bible character, we will add those too. So far we have Adam & Eve and Noah and the Ark. I'm really only adding major characters at this time, just to give them an idea of the line of events, history, etc. We also have our family members and grandparents on the timeline, just using their photographs.
Here is a picture of our timeline. It's not the greatest picture, but it will have to do for now!
Jul. 14, 2007 - Looks Good To Me!
Well I really like the idea of being able to add other lines below it..Pretty smart there. I am so out of wall space, etc. I don't even know how we are going to do our human body thing unless I put them out in the hall..
I went ahead and did poster board for our timeline and added those velcro sticky things. So we can take them off and test ourselves on them. But we probably won't be able to add as much to it as I would like (over time).
Right now I just add above the line, but I am saving below for an additional time line maybe of books we read from different time periods..Not sure yet.
Jul. 15, 2007 - Genius!
I saw the link you posted on the FIAR Three R's board. I love this idea for a timeline, and my dh (who insists on a timeline) thought it was fantastic.
It's neat to see how yours is different than the picture of the original one.
Our living room is under construction (the rooms have dry wall but no mud), so I think a timeline would be an improvement since we don't plan on finishing the walls for awhile. I get wait to get this started!! :)
Thanks for the inspiration!
Jul. 18, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Candace, I like those bright colors. Recently, I heard that you can tack up the cards with tiny clothespins instead of paper clips. I might try that with my next child.
In response to your question about allowing invented spelling at your daughter's young age. I've never found this to cause a child to have spelling issues later on. It is when older children, say seven or eight years plus, are encouraged to 'invent spell' that they may begin to internalize the wrong spellings. I wish I had my source at hand, but studies do seem to indicate that children at young ages are not quite developmentally ready to keep symbols of letters in their minds (word patterns) as well as older children. That is why many children struggle with phonics at the age of five. It is just too soon to teach it to most-but not all, of course. Your daughter is reading fairly well, so I would encourage dictation more than invented spelling, but not completely exclude it.
When my students and children at four to six years of age wanted to write stories, I encouraged dictation and copywork. However, I never tried to stifle their creativity and love of writing by making sure every word was spelled correctly. I know of children who later on had an aversion to writing because of an overly concerned parent in the spelling area. They were too afraid of making mistakes.
I really think this should be a gradual, natural process. As she matures and writes more often, you help her even more with the spelling of words. So yes, it is good to answer her questions about spelling; but I think it is also important that you sometimes tell her to sound it out and not worry about perfection until she is a little older.
Hope that helps a little,
lindafay
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