Grade Level(s):  7 and 8

Subjects:  English Language Arts, Social Studies

Learner Outcomes:  The learner will:

Engage in recreational reading.
Locate specific details in narrative text.
Use graphic software to create a timeline based on identified details.

Materials:  Printed copies of the various articles about the history of Christmas trees  (optional, if time and Internet access is limited).

Technology Tools/Courseware:

Computer
Timeliner Online software program
Internet access (optional)
Graphic software program (optional)

A copy of each student's signed Acceptable Use Policy must be on file in the school.

Basic instruction in the creation of timelines should be given prior to beginning this lesson.  There are many Internet sites that illustrate timelines, but several with student appeal can be found at the following locations:

The History Channel (Perform search for "toys and games timeline")
Legion of Superheroes
Back to the Future
Power Rangers Timeline
Technology Timeline

Obtain a copy of the Timeliner Online software program and provide instruction in its use.  A 45 day free demo can be obtained here.

Be sensitive to students who do not observe holidays.  An alternative assignment may be necessary.

In this lesson students will be asked to research the history of Christmas trees, identify key events from that research, and develope a timeline to depict those events.

Several decisions will need to be made before students begin this lesson:

1)  Will this be an individual or group assignment?  Organize the class into groups if necessary.

2)  Will students read the articles on-line?
Based on this decision, either bookmark the Internet sites or download and make copies of the articles to distribute to students.

Internet sites to bookmark:
   The Chronological History of the Christmas Tree
   The Christmas Tree
   Christmas Tree:  Traditions and Folklore

Tell students to make notes while reading the articles.  They will need their notes as a reference when developing their timelines.  This will be especially important if hard copies of the articles are not available.

Ten events in the history of the Christmas tree should be placed on the timeline.  When these events have been identified, each student or group should take a turn at the computer where the Timeliner Online program will be used to create timelines.

Direct students to print their final product and submit to the teacher for evaluation.

If this is to be conducted as a group activity, organize the groups heterogeneously to accommodate students of various ability levels.

Follow the school's policy for inclusion.

Refer to individual IEP's.

Provide an alternate assignment for students whose religious beliefs prevent their doing this lesson.

Insert the timeline in a Word document, add color and graphics to enhance its appearance.

Enlarge the timelines and display as part of the Christmas decorations.

State and National Standards:

  West Virginia IGO's:
           English Language Arts:  8.19, 8.26, 8.31, 8.154
                                              7.22, 7.31, 7.34, 7.157, 7.158, 7.171

           Social Studies:  7.47, 7.62

  National Standards

Timeliner Online Software Program
The Chronological History of the Christmas Tree
The Christmas Tree
Christmas Tree:  Traditions and Folklore
Legion of Superheroes
Back to the Future
Power Rangers Timeline
Technology Timeline
The History Channel
Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators

An Overview	Lesson 1 Christmas Customs and Traditions	Lesson 2 Christmas Tree Timeline	Lesson 3 Dear Santa	Lesson 4 Santa's Travels	Lesson 5 Santa: Man and Myth	Lesson 6 Christmas Around the World	Lesson 7 Sounds of the Season