Human Timeline Sort Worksheets is an interactive activity that introduces young learners to the concept of chronological order and the stages of human growth. Through cutting, sorting and pasting life stage images from youngest to eldest, students build their understanding of physical development while also beginning to grasp the passage of time in a meaningful and personal way. This task strengthens sequencing skills and offers a springboard for rich discussions around family, identity and life changes.

This resource supports early Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) outcomes, including sequencing personal and family histories, as well as elements of biological sciences through an exploration of how people grow and change over time. Available in two versions (boys and girls), the activity is accessible and inclusive, offering opportunities to reflect, connect and share. It’s particularly effective in helping students visualise how they themselves have changed and how they will continue to grow.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Sequence key life stages from infancy to old age
• ✅ Identify physical features and behaviours associated with each life stage
• ✅ Develop chronological awareness and a sense of personal and collective history
• ✅ Make meaningful connections to their own experiences and those of their families
• ✅ Build understanding of the life cycle and natural progression of human development

What’s Included:

• Printable timeline worksheet with ordered boxes for sorting images
• Cut-and-paste life stage images (boy and girl versions included)
• Optional writing reflection space for students to explain how humans change over time
• Clear headings and sorting prompts to support early learners

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheets and life stage cards
• Scissors and glue sticks
• Pencils or markers for reflection writing
• Anchor charts or visuals displaying human growth stages

How to Use:

• Print and distribute the timeline worksheet and matching image cards
• Guide students to cut out the images and sort them in the correct order from youngest to eldest
• Encourage students to discuss their reasoning and describe features of each life stage
• Complete the written reflection where students describe how humans grow and change
• Revisit the timeline throughout the term to reinforce the concept of growth and time

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Model the activity using a large version on the whiteboard or a classroom display
• 💡 Use vocabulary cards such as "infant", "toddler", "child", "teenager", "adult", "senior" to build descriptive language
• 💡 Encourage students to share things they could do at each age (e.g., crawling, starting school, learning to drive)
• 💡 Pair with books or picture stories about growing up to support literacy integration
• 💡 Connect to numeracy by adding ages to each stage for timeline measurement and comparison

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Invite students to create their own timelines using photos or drawings of family members
• 💛 Display finished timelines on a class wall to reinforce understanding of growth over time
• 💛 Use as part of a broader unit on families, life cycles or time in Science, HASS or Health
• 💛 Use real-life milestones (e.g., birthdays, school events) to help students personalise the sequence

Human Timeline Sort Worksheets is a fantastic way to build chronological thinking, personal awareness and scientific understanding. It’s ideal for Foundation to Year 1 classrooms exploring family, time and life stages in a hands-on and meaningful format. Whether used as a stand-alone activity or part of a larger unit on change, this worksheet offers powerful learning connections across multiple curriculum areas.