Activity Overview
In this activity, students will research the Reconstruction Era and create a detailed timeline that reflects the major events that occurred between 1863 and 1877. For each event, students should include the title of the event, a visual representation, and a written description that includes the overall significance of the event. In order for students to thrive in this assignment, they should be encouraged to research ten events, and select the five that they found to be the most interesting.
For the extension activity, students can create an entire class timeline. Students will be required to print out their events and cut and paste them to a larger timeline in the front of the class. Before each student adds an event they should share with the class the event that they are choosing and include at least one fact or description of significance of the event. Teachers can also challenge their class by choosing any five random events and see if their class can place them in the correct order.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options, and update the instructions accordingly.
Example Reconstruction Era Events
- Emancipation Proclamation
- Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
- Freedmen’s Bureau Founded
- Surrender at Appomattox
- Juneteenth
- 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments Ratified
- Rebel stated readmission to Union (numerous dates)
- Andrew Johnson Impeached
- Formation of the KKK
- Reconstruction Act
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline detailing at least 5 major events during America's Reconstruction era. Try to pick at least two events that are unfamiliar to you!
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify significant events and legislation and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe each event in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(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. |
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will research the Reconstruction Era and create a detailed timeline that reflects the major events that occurred between 1863 and 1877. For each event, students should include the title of the event, a visual representation, and a written description that includes the overall significance of the event. In order for students to thrive in this assignment, they should be encouraged to research ten events, and select the five that they found to be the most interesting.
For the extension activity, students can create an entire class timeline. Students will be required to print out their events and cut and paste them to a larger timeline in the front of the class. Before each student adds an event they should share with the class the event that they are choosing and include at least one fact or description of significance of the event. Teachers can also challenge their class by choosing any five random events and see if their class can place them in the correct order.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options, and update the instructions accordingly.
Example Reconstruction Era Events
- Emancipation Proclamation
- Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
- Freedmen’s Bureau Founded
- Surrender at Appomattox
- Juneteenth
- 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments Ratified
- Rebel stated readmission to Union (numerous dates)
- Andrew Johnson Impeached
- Formation of the KKK
- Reconstruction Act
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline detailing at least 5 major events during America's Reconstruction era. Try to pick at least two events that are unfamiliar to you!
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify significant events and legislation and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe each event in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(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. |
How Tos about Timeline of the Reconstruction Era
How to Differentiate Timeline Projects for Diverse Learners
Differentiate instruction by offering timeline templates with varying levels of structure and support. Some students benefit from graphic organizers with prompts, while others can work more independently.
Offer visual supports for students who need them
Provide images, icons, or sample illustrations for students who struggle with visualization. This helps all learners access content and express understanding in creative ways.
Allow alternative presentation formats
Let students choose between digital, poster, or oral timelines based on their strengths. Multiple formats increase engagement and accessibility for students with different learning styles.
Use flexible grouping for peer support
Pair or group students so they can collaborate and support each other. Peer discussion encourages deeper thinking and ensures everyone participates.
Check in regularly and adjust as needed
Monitor progress with quick check-ins, feedback, and encouragement. Adjust instructions or supports if students are struggling, so everyone can succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Timeline of the Reconstruction Era
What are the most important events to include in a Reconstruction Era timeline for students?
Key events to include in a Reconstruction Era timeline are the Emancipation Proclamation, Assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the founding of the Freedmen’s Bureau, the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, Surrender at Appomattox, Juneteenth, the formation of the KKK, the Reconstruction Act, and the impeachment of Andrew Johnson. These events highlight major changes and challenges faced during 1863–1877.
How can I help students create an engaging Reconstruction Era timeline in class?
Encourage students to research and select events they find interesting, use visuals, and write brief descriptions explaining the significance of each event. Consider group activities like building a class timeline on the wall or hosting a gallery walk to make the project interactive and engaging.
What is the best way to explain the significance of events during the Reconstruction Era to middle schoolers?
The best way is to connect each event to its impact on people’s lives, such as how the 13th Amendment ended slavery or how the Freedmen’s Bureau helped formerly enslaved people. Use relatable stories, visuals, and class discussions to help students grasp why these events mattered.
Which Reconstruction Era events are often overlooked but important for students to learn about?
Events like the founding of the Freedmen’s Bureau, the formation of the KKK, and the various acts of Southern states’ readmission to the Union are sometimes overlooked. Including these helps students understand the complexities and challenges during Reconstruction.
How can I adapt a Reconstruction timeline lesson for group work or presentations?
Divide students into groups and assign each group several events. Have them research, illustrate, and present their events, then combine their work into a large class timeline or poster. This collaborative approach encourages participation and deeper understanding.
More Storyboard That Activities
Reconstruction Era
- • OpenClipart-Vectors • License Free for Commercial Use / No Attribution Required (https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0)
- 1202723 • Sharefaith • License Free To Use / No Attribution Required / See https://www.pexels.com/license/ for what is not allowed
- 3995999 • Yuri_B • License Free for Most Commercial Use / No Attribution Required / See https://pixabay.com/service/license/ for what is not allowed
- 4025802 • Tumisu • License Free for Most Commercial Use / No Attribution Required / See https://pixabay.com/service/license/ for what is not allowed
Testimonials
“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
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
