Timelines
Timeline of an event
A ny good personal history might include one or more
timelines. A timeline is a chronologically ordered chart, table, or outline listing
dates, events, summaries, and/or pictures. Timelines don’t include all the detail,
but they list the most important events, steps, or graphics. For instance, the above
picture shows a typical event in a man’s life, not because that event was so
important, but because this event captures an important trait of this man’s
character. He saw what needed to be done, and would find ways around the
limitations and get the job done. He did this throughout his life. By using
this timeline I was able to quickly illustrate—with proof—one of his dominant character
traits.
Another man worked at three
part-time jobs, went to college, picked up his child from daycare each night,
and fixed dinner. A timeline could be used to show how he fit all this into his
day.
A timeline can be used to list events
that span a century, or just one day. It’s
a good way to map out your life chronologically, or to show yearly pictures of
you as you were growing up, or to illustrate the events of a typical day.
Here are
some simple examples of formats they might take.
Timeline of Life’s Events
1948 Was
born on . . .
1954 Started
school at . . .
1955 Was
hospitalized for . . .
1960 Started
junior high at . . .
1963 Started
high school at . . .
Etc.
Timeline of Schools
Elementary Junior
High High Junior State Etc.
School School School College University
----*----------------------*---------------------------------------*--------------------*---------------------*
Timeline of Pictures
First Second Third Fouth Etc.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Notice how even picture genealogy charts
could be considered timelines.
Use timelines to give a quick
view of graduated events, or an over-view of your life. Timelines can be a form
of artwork—almost like scrapbooking. Have fun with them.
Timelines are so important! If you don't keep track of when things happen, it can be impossible to remember later. I have found that naming my digital pictures with the date at the beginning helps me with my timelines. I also take pictures of objects, signs, programs, etc. to help me remember other important details. I also take pictures almost every day. My kids (and many other kids these days)will have photos of themselves and their activities each day from the moment they were born, and they are all dated....our kids are lucky that way.
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