Activity Overview
Although timelines are mainly used in history lessons, they can be extremely helpful when dealing with historical fiction or memoirs, such as Boy on the Wooden Box. Leon Leyson used to consider his childhood as “idyllic” until the Nazis occupied Poland and changed the world as he knew it. For this activity, students will create a timeline of Leyson’s life, including descriptions and illustrations for each major event.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a timeline of major events that took place in Leon Leyson's life.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the description boxes, write brief summary of each event.
- Create an illustration for each cell 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
Although timelines are mainly used in history lessons, they can be extremely helpful when dealing with historical fiction or memoirs, such as Boy on the Wooden Box. Leon Leyson used to consider his childhood as “idyllic” until the Nazis occupied Poland and changed the world as he knew it. For this activity, students will create a timeline of Leyson’s life, including descriptions and illustrations for each major event.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a timeline of major events that took place in Leon Leyson's life.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the description boxes, write brief summary of each event.
- Create an illustration for each cell 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 Leon Leyson’s Childhood
Incorporate primary sources to enrich your timeline lesson
Bring history alive by adding authentic photos, letters, or artifacts related to Leon Leyson’s life. This helps students connect emotionally and makes learning more meaningful.
Select age-appropriate primary sources
Choose images, excerpts, or artifacts that are suitable for your students’ grade level and emotional maturity. Preview all materials to ensure they are relevant and sensitive.
Guide students in analyzing the sources
Ask guiding questions like, “What does this photo tell us about Leon’s experience?” or “How does this letter add to our understanding?” This builds critical thinking and empathy.
Have students integrate sources into their timeline
Let students add images, quotes, or brief notes from the primary sources directly onto their timeline. This provides context and deepens their understanding of each event.
Facilitate a class discussion on impact
Wrap up by discussing how using primary sources changed students’ perspectives about Leon Leyson’s life. Encourage sharing of insights to foster a thoughtful classroom community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Leon Leyson’s Childhood
What are the major events in Leon Leyson's childhood?
Leon Leyson's childhood was marked by an idyllic early life in Poland, followed by major upheaval after the Nazi occupation. Key events include his family's move to Krakow, life in the Jewish ghetto, working in Oskar Schindler's factory, and his survival of the Holocaust, all of which are detailed in The Boy on the Wooden Box.
How can students create a timeline of Leon Leyson's life?
Students can create a timeline by identifying major events in Leon Leyson's life, writing brief descriptions for each, and illustrating them with relevant scenes or characters. Using digital tools or paper, each event should be placed in chronological order to visualize Leyson's journey.
Why is making a timeline helpful for understanding historical memoirs like The Boy on the Wooden Box?
Creating a timeline helps students visualize the sequence and impact of events, making it easier to understand complex historical memoirs like The Boy on the Wooden Box. It connects personal stories to broader historical contexts and deepens comprehension.
What tools or templates can teachers use for timeline activities in class?
Teachers can use online timeline makers, printable templates, or platforms like Storyboard That to help students create engaging timelines. These tools often allow for the addition of descriptions and illustrations for each event, making the activity interactive and visual.
What are some tips for illustrating key moments from Leon Leyson's story?
When illustrating key moments, focus on important scenes, emotions, and historical details. Encourage students to use symbols or color to represent themes like hope or danger, and to refer to specific passages in The Boy on the Wooden Box for accuracy and inspiration.
More Storyboard That Activities
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