This is actually something they will do in school, but it’s so much more fun to do it with you. It’s more fun for your kids to do it with you because you have access to all the neat stories and legends passed down through your family.
Some tips for a successful family tree:
1. Go back as far as possible. Even if that’s just back to your parents, that’s ok.
2. Find pictures, if you can.
3. Let the kids do the work. Let them call your parents or even your grandparents with a set of pre-written questions about your family. Let them ask and let them write down the answers – even if you already know the answer. It’s fun for kids to do their own research.
4. Using brown construction paper cut out a big tree, with branches (as many as you need).
5. Using the pictures you’ve acquired, paste those onto the ends of the branches. Write down all the vital information on the tree trunk itself.
6. Share stories. Share all the stories you know about your ancestors, and let others share, too.
This is a great way for you and your children to learn about your ancestors and a great activity the whole family can do together. Remember, our children want to know this stuff. As insignificant as you think a story might be, tell it. They love to hear about their relatives. Search the internet if you can to see if they can find out anything on their family on their own. Not only are you teaching them about their families, you’re also giving them a really great lesson in research. If you do this as a family activity, let your older ones do the calling and let your little ones do some gluing and coloring on the tree. Everyone can take a part!