Activity Overview
To best understand the sequence of events and policies made during Reagan's presidency, it's helpful for students to have a timeline that encompasses both presidential terms. This will allow them to see how Reagan's first term paved the way for his re-election and how certain themes played out through those eight years.
Using the timeline layout, students will outline of major events and decisions surrounding Reagan’s presidency. Students can focus on one thematic issue (such as economics or social issues) or mix and match various events that define his presidency.
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.
Extended Activity
Have students swap timelines, doing either one thematic timeline or one on a certain issue, or have students create a holistic timeline of what defines Reagan’s presidency. We recommend having students complete a thematic timeline, then utilize other students’ timelines to create a more comprehensive, holistic timeline.
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 the events and policies during Reagan's presidency from 1981-1989.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important events and policies and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe the events and policies 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
To best understand the sequence of events and policies made during Reagan's presidency, it's helpful for students to have a timeline that encompasses both presidential terms. This will allow them to see how Reagan's first term paved the way for his re-election and how certain themes played out through those eight years.
Using the timeline layout, students will outline of major events and decisions surrounding Reagan’s presidency. Students can focus on one thematic issue (such as economics or social issues) or mix and match various events that define his presidency.
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.
Extended Activity
Have students swap timelines, doing either one thematic timeline or one on a certain issue, or have students create a holistic timeline of what defines Reagan’s presidency. We recommend having students complete a thematic timeline, then utilize other students’ timelines to create a more comprehensive, holistic timeline.
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 the events and policies during Reagan's presidency from 1981-1989.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important events and policies and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe the events and policies 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 Major Events of Ronald Reagan’s Presidential Terms (1981-1989)
Engage Students with Primary Sources about Reagan’s Presidency
Using primary sources like speeches, news clips, and political cartoons helps students connect with history in a meaningful way. These materials bring the era to life and foster critical thinking skills.
Select relevant primary sources tied to major events
Choose documents, videos, or images that directly relate to key moments on your class timeline. Match sources to events so students can analyze real historical evidence.
Preview materials to ensure accessibility
Review each source for reading level, language, and context. Provide summaries or transcripts if needed, so all students can participate confidently.
Guide students in analyzing sources with prompts
Ask students to identify the author’s perspective, purpose, and audience. Use question stems like: 'What message is this source sending?' or 'How does this reflect Reagan-era policies?'
Connect primary sources to timeline assignments
Encourage students to incorporate insights from their source analysis into their timelines. This deepens understanding and provides evidence for their event descriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Major Events of Ronald Reagan’s Presidential Terms (1981-1989)
What were the major events during Ronald Reagan's presidency?
Ronald Reagan's presidency (1981-1989) featured key events like the Economic Recovery Tax Act, the ending of the Cold War, the Iran-Contra affair, the Strategic Defense Initiative, and major tax reforms. These events shaped U.S. politics, economics, and foreign relations during the 1980s.
How can students create a timeline of Reagan’s presidential terms?
Students can create a timeline of Reagan's presidency by listing significant events and policies in chronological order, adding short descriptions, and using visuals such as images, icons, or drawings to illustrate each event for better understanding.
What are some good themes for a Ronald Reagan presidency timeline activity?
Popular themes for a Reagan presidency timeline include economics (Reaganomics), social issues, foreign policy, the Cold War, and legislative milestones. Focusing on a single theme helps students analyze the impact of Reagan’s decisions over time.
What is the best way to teach high school students about Reagan's presidential legacy?
The best way is through interactive activities like timeline posters, thematic research projects, and gallery walks, allowing students to visualize, compare, and present the key events and impacts of Reagan’s presidency collaboratively.
How can students collaborate on a comprehensive timeline of Reagan’s presidency?
Students can collaborate by creating individual thematic timelines, then exchanging and combining their work to form a comprehensive timeline. This encourages peer learning and a deeper understanding of multiple aspects of Reagan’s presidency.
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