Back in our school days, timelines were straightforward assignments where we'd sketch out a line on a sheet of paper, mark dates along it, and note down corresponding events. I used to carefully space the marks to indicate the passage of time between these events. That was the extent of it. Now, fast forward two decades, and the application of timelines has evolved. In this blog, we'll explore what a blank timeline template is and how you can effectively use it in your classroom.
What is a blank timeline template?
A blank timeline template is a framework for plotting events over a period. It provides a structure where dates, milestones, or periods can be marked, but without any content, allowing you to populate and present the information however you want.
This flexibility makes it an invaluable tool for the classroom. Specifically, timelines help students understand historical events, scientific processes, or the sequence of a story. Many historians use timelines to chart occurrences across different eras, providing a linear progression of events that aids understanding and the retention of information.
Benefits of using a blank timeline template
Timeline templates are clear, efficient and customisable for you and your students. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of using a blank timeline template in the classroom:
- Clarity for your students: timelines show the sequence of events, making it easier for them to understand the project. Breaks down the complex into simple steps that never overwhelm.
- Save time: timeline blank templates make planning and executing projects for your students a seamless task. You and your students can edit your project at any time, leaving you more time to focus on the learning.
- Customise any project: blank timeline templates can adapt to any learning project, from explaining the steps in a scientific experiment to laying out the causes that led to a historical event.
How to use a blank timeline template
A blank timeline is a good way for you to help your students understand and enjoy their lessons. In history classes, you might ask students to fill in timelines with important events like the American Revolution. This helps students understand historical data better and provide more context. You can provide students with the instructions in the blank timeline itself or even pre-fill items for greater clarity.
For the non-social studies teachers reading this, timelines can be used to track experiments or natural processes, like the life cycle of a butterfly. By noting each development stage, students understand the sequentiality of the scientific process. Like any learning, the more personalised the better, so why not get your students to go out into nature and take photos or videos or caterpillars and butterflies?
Blank timeline template example
Here is a timeline template example. Simply insert the dates, events and embed any type of media to your timeline. Edit the timeline as you wish! It can be used as a blank canvas from which to begin.
Create a blank template yourself
Head on over to Sutori’s blank timeline template, click on “Create your own” and then you’ll be prompted to create a free Sutori account. You can then start working from the blank timeline template in a matter of minutes.
Some advantages with using Sutori for timelines:
- Easily add videos, images and audio files to your project
- Embed any file or web link
- Build interactive quizzes and polls for engagement
- Develop peer review skills with comments
- Export to PDF or else add it directly to your website
All that is required is an internet connection! Sutori works on all common web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) and we offer a free tier so you can try it out for yourself.
Summary
We’ve shown you how useful a blank timeline template is for organising and illustrating information and data. As teachers, you can use blank timeline templates to help students understand complex subjects, plan projects and cater to different learning styles. Timelines help students learn by showing them information in a clear and organised way. With Sutori, creating and customising these templates is easier than ever, giving students more engaging and personalised learning experiences. Timelines are the perfect teaching companion to bring the best out of your students.
