Make learning easy with timelines

Article
Update : January 7, 2026

Often used in history class and other subjects, timelines are an extraordinary tool that makes it easy to visualize events in chronological order. Here are a few tips to help your child make their own timeline.

Timelines are ideal for providing an overview of a particular era or complex episode. In one glance, you get a clear breakdown of the chosen event:

  • The time period it covers
  • What happened before and after the event
  • The amount of time between events
  • Etc.

What is a timeline?

A timeline is generally a straight, horizontal line that shows the passage of time. It includes the following elements:

  • Reference points at regular intervals
  • Facts
  • Events
  • Dates
  • Etc.
Tips and tools

It can be helpful to use different symbols or colours for different types of events. If your child chooses this option, make sure they remember to include a legend.

Choose a subject

Before starting to build a timeline, your child needs to choose a subject. Once they’ve decided, help them do the following:

  • Make a list of all events related to the subject
  • Identify the most important events
  • Put those events in chronological order
  • Etc.

Remember

Timelines are intended to make material easier to understand. Here are a few things to remember when making a timeline:

  • Give the timeline a descriptive title
  • Make sure the timeline is accurate (the events reflect reality)
  • Put the events in chronological order
  • Don’t clutter the page
  • Make sure it’s easy to read (use keywords and print neatly)
  • Etc.

Collaborators

Rewriting: The Alloprof Parents’ team

References