Thomas Jefferson Worksheet and Timeline Activity for Kids

A Thomas Jefferson worksheet can be a great way to help kids understand early American history in a hands-on, age-appropriate way.

These educational coloring pages includes a timeline activity, matching cards, and coloring sheets that introduce key moments from Jefferson’s life, from writing the Declaration of Independence to commissioning the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Whether you’re building a Presidents’ Day unit or just covering the Founding Fathers, this is an easy, low-prep way to bring history to life for elementary students.

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Thomas Jefferson Timeline Worksheet

This Thomas Jefferson worksheet helps bring history to life through coloring and hands-on learning.

Kids match each illustrated image with major moments from Jefferson’s timeline, making it an engaging way to learn about one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers.

How to Use the Printable

Start by printing the five worksheet pages. Cardstock works best if you want the pieces to hold up during coloring and cutting.

Each page includes 12 images tied to key moments from Jefferson’s life. Children can color them first, then cut them out along with the corresponding timeline word strips. You can use scissors or a paper cutter for more precise lines.

The goal is to match each event description to the correct image, then arrange everything in chronological order to complete Jefferson’s timeline.

What’s Included

The images cover important parts of Jefferson’s story, including:

• Thomas Jefferson
• Monticello (his home)
• The nickel
• Lewis & Clark
• The Louisiana Purchase
• The Declaration of Independence
• Martha Wayles Skelton
• The Jefferson Memorial

Key Events in Jefferson’s Life

To help guide the timeline, here’s a quick summary of events featured in the worksheet:

• 1743 – Born in Shadwell, Virginia
• 1776 – Drafted the Declaration of Independence
• 1789 – Became the first Secretary of State
• 1796 – Elected Vice President

• 1801 – Inaugurated as President in Washington, D.C.
• 1803 – Purchased the Louisiana Territory
• 1804 – Commissioned the Lewis & Clark expedition
• 1826 – Died at Monticello on July 4
• Plus: marriage to Martha Wayles Skelton, the design of Monticello, and his appearance on the U.S. nickel

This timeline activity blends fine motor practice with history comprehension, making it ideal for elementary students learning about the Revolutionary era and early U.S. presidents.

Thomas Jefferson Books for Kids

When we first started learning about early American history, I wanted books that made big ideas feel approachable. These Thomas Jefferson books helped my son understand who Jefferson was, not just as a president, but as a writer, inventor, and leader.

• The Story of Thomas Jefferson – This was one of the first biographies we read together. The language is simple enough for younger readers, but it still covers the major milestones—like writing the Declaration of Independence and serving as president—in a way that feels clear and meaningful.
• Who Was Thomas Jefferson? – My son has always loved this series, and this one was no exception. It mixes facts with fun illustrations and really helped him grasp how Jefferson’s ideas helped shape the country. It’s a great pick for kids who like to dig into the “why” behind historical events.
• A picture book of Thomas Jefferson – This one’s beautifully illustrated and worked well for reading aloud. It focuses on key moments from Jefferson’s life and does a good job of showing how his personal interests and values influenced the world around him.

Each of these books sparked good conversations and helped make history more than just a list of dates. They’re a solid starting point if you’re introducing kids to Jefferson or the Founding Fathers in general.

Want to explore more historical leaders? Check out our favorite President books for kids to help expand their understanding of American history beyond Thomas Jefferson.

More Presidential Printables to Explore

If your child is learning about Thomas Jefferson, these related activities are a great way to build on that interest:

• Thomas Jefferson unit study – A more in-depth look at Jefferson’s life with activities to reinforce learning.
• Abraham Lincoln worksheets – Learn about the 16th president through writing prompts, timeline activities, and coloring pages.
• If I were President worksheet – A creative way to get kids thinking about leadership and decision-making.
• Founding Fathers coloring pages – Introduce other key figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
• President coloring pages – Simple and engaging for younger learners, especially around Presidents Day.

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Last Updated on 8 July 2025 by Clare Brown