True story! Check outsome free printable timeline options here, and a template to print your own figures (along with another 70-page timeline option, already numbered, plus title page for boys and one for girls!) here. I think we'll laminate the timeline and string it across the school room wall, using dry erase markers.
This extremely thorough post explores a lot of different timeline options, with links to free timeline figures! Alternatively, joining this group gives free access to Story of the World timeline figures. How cool is that? (Check the "files" tab once you've joined, then "History".)
One other non-reusable option that might work is to create a timeline on your wall using masking tape (write dates on the tape), then use ticky-tack to hang the figures.