Activity Overview
While studying WWII, it's essential for students to understand how events unfolded and connected. Because there were several countries involved and several theaters of war, it can be overwhelming to examine every single event that occurred. By creating a visual timeline, students will be able to examine at least five major events between 1939 and 1941 and analyze how they affected the course of World War 2.
Teachers can pre-select the events they would like students to include into the timeline, or students can choose their own. 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 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 Events for a World War 2 Timeline
- September 1, 1939 - Germany Invades Poland
- June 14, 1940 - The Germans Take Paris
- September 27,1940 - The Tripartite Pact
- March 11, 1941 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Lend-Lease Deal
- December 7, 1941- Japan Attacks Pearl Harbor
Extended 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. This works especially well if they create their timeline as a poster.
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 in WW2 between 1939 and 1941.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important battles and events and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe the battles and events in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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
While studying WWII, it's essential for students to understand how events unfolded and connected. Because there were several countries involved and several theaters of war, it can be overwhelming to examine every single event that occurred. By creating a visual timeline, students will be able to examine at least five major events between 1939 and 1941 and analyze how they affected the course of World War 2.
Teachers can pre-select the events they would like students to include into the timeline, or students can choose their own. 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 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 Events for a World War 2 Timeline
- September 1, 1939 - Germany Invades Poland
- June 14, 1940 - The Germans Take Paris
- September 27,1940 - The Tripartite Pact
- March 11, 1941 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Lend-Lease Deal
- December 7, 1941- Japan Attacks Pearl Harbor
Extended 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. This works especially well if they create their timeline as a poster.
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 in WW2 between 1939 and 1941.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important battles and events and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe the battles and events in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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 World War II Timeline of Events 1939-1941
How to Differentiate a WWII Timeline Assignment for Diverse Learners
Adapt the timeline assignment for students with varying abilities by offering multiple formats and levels of support. Provide templates, sentence starters, or visual aids for students who need guidance, while encouraging advanced learners to research additional events or present deeper analysis. This approach ensures all students can engage meaningfully with the content.
Offer choice in timeline format
Let students select between a digital, poster, or interactive timeline. Choice increases motivation and empowers students to use their strengths. Visual learners may prefer posters, while tech-savvy students can use digital tools for creativity.
Use tiered event lists
Curate lists of events at different reading levels or complexities. Assign or allow students to choose from these lists based on their readiness, so every student can access the content and feel challenged.
Provide scaffolds for research and writing
Give research organizers, graphic organizers, or sentence frames to help students structure their findings. This support fosters confidence and helps students focus on content instead of format struggles.
Encourage collaboration or peer support
Allow students to partner up or work in small groups if appropriate. Collaboration can spark new ideas and help students learn from each other’s strengths while building their timeline together.
Frequently Asked Questions about World War II Timeline of Events 1939-1941
What are the most important World War II events from 1939 to 1941 for a classroom timeline?
Key World War II events from 1939 to 1941 include Germany invading Poland (1939), the Germans taking Paris (1940), the signing of the Tripartite Pact (1940), President Roosevelt signing the Lend-Lease Deal (1941), and the attack on Pearl Harbor (1941). These events are ideal for a classroom timeline as they mark major turning points in the war.
How can I help students create a World War 2 timeline activity?
To help students create a World War 2 timeline, provide them with a list of significant events and encourage them to research and select at least five to include. Have them add dates, descriptions, and illustrations for each event, and consider offering different template options for variety.
What is an easy way to teach World War II chronology to middle school students?
Using a visual timeline or timeline poster is an easy way to teach WWII chronology. Students can choose key events, add brief descriptions, and visually organize them to see the sequence and cause-effect relationships.
Why is creating a timeline helpful for understanding World War II?
Timelines help students organize events in chronological order, visualize connections, and better understand how major World War II events influenced one another. This makes complex history topics more accessible.
What are some tips for making a World War 2 timeline poster engaging for students?
Encourage students to use creative illustrations, select events that interest them, and share facts about each event. Offering multiple templates and letting students present their posters can boost engagement.
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