It’s back to school time and it got me thinking how to encourage kids to enjoy their family history.
In my mind it’s never too early to start sharing family history with children. Often one of the first words a child says is “daddy” or “mommy.” That is the first step in understanding how your mother and father fit in your family tree. Before long they understand a sibling fits in and the grandparents and aunts and uncles too.
- Start with what you know. Use a simple family tree chart to start.
- Keep it simple. Start with one person, one generation at a time. What a thrill for a grandparent to be asked about their life ‘way back then.’
- Talk with your family, aunts, uncles. Ask them questions about what they know about your family.
- School age children may enjoy seeing their own certificates, birth, baptism or from the hospital. Show them marriage certificates and death certificates.
- Junior high age students will enjoy a visit to local FamilySearch Center, the local library or history center. Staff will direct you to local and online resources.
- Let the kids decide how you will preserve and store the items.
One great resource is “My Family Tree Workbook” (Dover Children’s Activity Books) by Rosemary Chrozempa.
Easily accessible to the youngest of historians, this volume assist in learning fundamental research principles and beginning the search.
This book has a “me” page. It starts with the child’s name, nickname, address and the date family history started.
I think it is neat that I started family history research early. I got interview all my aunts and uncles, and many of great aunts and uncles. What a treasure to hear their perspective of family history. I’ve learned much more since the internet and increased records being indexed, but I treasure those early cassette recordings and notes.
- Have a child “draw” their family. Paying attention to their hair color, eye color and height. They can include as many or as few members as they wish.
- How fun for a youngster to connect with a grandparent who played the same sport they play.
- Perhaps you can find diaries written by other kids about a place your ancestors came from.
- Maps are a good way to learn current and historical information.
- Did you know there is a Boy Scout honor?
- Cousins can make excellent penpals or ipals. Cousins share your grandparents.
- Photos are fun ask your child – what can we learn from looking at a photo. Become detectives and look at the photo for dress, hair style, furniture, cars and other descriptive details.
- There are many online puzzles and games. Make a Word Scramble or Word Search using your family names.
Fun ideas to do as a family: Create a time capsule, plan a Family Reunion
Another good book:
Do People Grow on Family Trees? Genealogy for Kids & Other Beginners: the Official Ellis Island Handbook. By Ira Wolfman, Workman Pub 1991. 179 pages of interactive genealogical guide.
Let me know how your children respond to these ideas!
Geneographer 