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I also provided some pictures -- but not all -- for the project. I knew it would be too much for him to have to write or draw the entire thing. Then, I left out some supplies -- including some fun twig color pencils -- that I thought Henry would enjoy.
Henry and I started the project by talking about what history is and how to read the timeline. Then, we dove right in. At first, I told him what each box represented. "That's Daddy's birthday." I followed up with open ended questions to insight creativity. "What could we put in the box for Daddy's birthday?" And, I followed his lead!
We then just sat and completed the timeline together. I tried to follow, asking and answering questions. Sometimes he put a picture where I would have, sometimes he didn't! And sometimes he drew a lightsaber just because! Occasionally, Nora added her own touch!
Right as I thought we were done, Henry asked -- "when were my cousins born?" And, BAM, I knew this was making him think! We ended by hanging the timeline in his room. I'm hoping that he will want to come back to it, talk about it and add more dates.
Overall, it was a very simple and engaging way to introduce history and talk about our roots!
How have you introduced history with your preschooler?
This post is part of the 12 Months of Montessori series! This month's theme is history. Make sure to stop by these fabulous blogs for great Montessori and Montessori-inspired history ideas!