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 vertical timeline template is and how you can effectively use it in your classroom. Heck, we started Sutori in 2012 which was one of the first vertical timeline tools on the web!
What is a vertical timeline template?
A vertical timeline template is a visual tool used to represent chronological events or milestones in a linear and vertical format.
It is often used in presentations, reports, or project planning to show the sequence of events or tasks over time. The vertical layout is particularly useful when you want to conserve horizontal space or present information in a way that naturally aligns with reading top to bottom. This definitely helps your students better understand the flow of materials and content.
This flexibility makes it an invaluable tool for the classroom. Specifically, they 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 retention.
Benefits of using a vertical 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 vertical timeline template
A vertical 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 vertical timeline itself or even pre-fill items for greater clarity.
For the non-social studies teachers reading this, vertical 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?
Vertical timeline template example
Here is an example of what you can start creating from a template. Simply insert the dates, events and also embed any type of media to your timeline. You can edit the timeline as you wish and it can be used a canvas to work from.
Create a vertical template yourself
Head on over to Sutori’s vertical 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 your vertical 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
Sutori works with just an internet connection and we offer a free tier so you can try it out for yourself.
Summary
We’ve shown you how useful a vertical timeline template is for organising and illustrating information and data. As teachers, you can use these vertical 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. Use timelines to improve your teaching and help your students learn collaboratively!
