Here's what I do....

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Here's what I do....
By Emily

You could start by having them individually brainstorm as many memories as they can recall, while you or an aide record them (unless they can write it themselves). Then, provide them with piece of white butcher paper (the
size is up to you) and have them draw a straight line horizontally across the paper. At the top they can write "Johnny's Life" or any other creative title they choose. With a ruler they will make equal marks along the line for each year that they have been alive (i.e. 1996, 1997). The first entry would be "I was born". From there, the students can use the lists that they generated

and write each memory in the appropriate section of the time line. Once they have recorded all the major events of their lives, they can illustrate it using colored pencils, crayons, markers, etc.
Hope this gives you some ideas.
Time lines are a lot of fun for kids and are a wonderful way for you, as a teacher, to learn more about each individual child. It is also a great activity that makes use of multiple intelligences and can be used to cover certain state standards as well.
Good luck and have fun!