Timelines and Transitions

We all have those days. We have a lesson, but decide to change some of it that morning. Today was one of those days. My first objective for today's lesson was that the students would create a timeline of their holiday. I decided to change the objective to reading, analysing, and responding to a timeline.

I found a great timeline in our sixth grade Literature text on the History of the Passamaquoddy Indians. There were several close read analysis questions that went along with it. Students can basically read a timeline, but they struggle with close analysis.

The revised lesson was a success. Tomorrow, the students will write their personal timelines. 

The timeline writing activity will lead into a lesson on transition words and phrases. The students will then write a narrative in chronological order based on their timeline. The students will use effective transitions in their narrative.

Sometimes, you have those last minute lessons that end up being the best ones.

Also, our textbooks are often overlooked as fantastic resources. I could not have found a better timeline for this lesson. We must keep our minds open to the potential that our creativity can deliver.