“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
This activity allows students to explore the timeline template in the Storyboard Creator that is typically used for history projects and apply it to their own life story! Students will tell their life story from birth to present using the timeline format. They will brainstorm significant events that helped to shape their lives such as the birth of a sibling, a move, a new pet, a special trip, an accomplishment in or out of school, or a new activity or venture. They can find characters that look like themselves, family members, and friends to create scenes for each event. Students can add descriptions to the bottom of each scene to further explain what happened and its significance to their lives. This activity is a fun way for students to share about themselves with their teachers and classmates while exploring the Storyboard Creator in the process!
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective:
Student Instructions:
Requirements: 5-10 events with dates, clear illustrations, and descriptions for each event.
Grade Level 9-12
Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)
Type of Assignment Individual
Type of Activity: Timelines
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
This activity allows students to explore the timeline template in the Storyboard Creator that is typically used for history projects and apply it to their own life story! Students will tell their life story from birth to present using the timeline format. They will brainstorm significant events that helped to shape their lives such as the birth of a sibling, a move, a new pet, a special trip, an accomplishment in or out of school, or a new activity or venture. They can find characters that look like themselves, family members, and friends to create scenes for each event. Students can add descriptions to the bottom of each scene to further explain what happened and its significance to their lives. This activity is a fun way for students to share about themselves with their teachers and classmates while exploring the Storyboard Creator in the process!
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective:
Student Instructions:
Requirements: 5-10 events with dates, clear illustrations, and descriptions for each event.
Grade Level 9-12
Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)
Type of Assignment Individual
Type of Activity: Timelines
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Modify the timeline activity for grades 2–8 by simplifying instructions, using fewer events, and providing visual supports. This helps ensure all students can participate and succeed no matter their age or reading level.
Guide students to choose simple, relatable milestones such as starting school, first lost tooth, or making a new friend. Examples make brainstorming easier and help younger students connect with the activity.
Offer pre-made timeline templates and picture cards showing common events. Visual aids support understanding and make the activity accessible for emerging readers.
Facilitate a class conversation about special memories before students begin. Sharing aloud helps generate ideas and builds confidence for students who might struggle to think of events on their own.
Encourage students to draw pictures or verbally describe their events if writing is challenging. Multiple expression options ensure all students can share their stories successfully.
An 'All About Me' timeline activity is a creative assignment where students illustrate key events from their own lives using a timeline format. It helps students reflect on their personal history while building skills in sequencing and storytelling.
To create a personal timeline in Storyboard Creator, start by brainstorming 5-10 important life events. Add each event in order with dates, choose characters and scenes that represent them, and write short descriptions explaining each event’s importance.
Examples of timeline events include birthdays, moving to a new home, getting a pet, starting a new school, special trips, learning new skills, or major accomplishments. Encourage students to pick moments that are meaningful to them.
Personal timeline activities help high school students develop self-awareness, practice storytelling, and connect with classmates. They also build skills in organizing information chronologically and visually.
To make the timeline activity engaging, encourage students to use colorful scenes, diverse characters, and personal artifacts. Allowing creative freedom and sharing timelines with classmates can boost participation and connection.
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher