Family History for Kids
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So, we all (8 kids, 2 parents, plus 6 spouses) traveled over there (thanks to Dad’s frequent flier miles!) to learn about our heritage. It was a life changing experience to me. I finally felt like I knew who I was and where I came from.
I got to visit coal mines that my ancestors (including my grandfather) worked in. I got to visit grave sites that they were buried in, see the church they attended each Sunday. They had to sit in the balcony because they were in the working class. It helped me see why my grandfather did not really like religion.
I got to hear the Welsh accent and imagine myself living there, working there, what I might have been like if I grew up in Wales.
The trip made me appreciate my ancestors, come to know them in a way I never thought I would. It made me want to help them & do more for them. Since then, I have tried really hard to work on my family history.  I have become a sort of go-to family history person in my family. I guess it’s a good thing since the torch needs to be passed on in the family eventually. I love it! I love the feeling of completing an ancestor’s temple work- sealing them to their family.  (This is a part of my faith.)
My husband is also very interested in learning about and doing his family history. His family came from the Mormon pioneers. He loves to collect stories and journals, visit grave sites nearby and has taken the children with him a few times. They really enjoy doing this with their Dad. What a great way to learn about their heritage!
Preserve family memories with this: Â Family Interview for Parents & Grandparents!
Family History for Kids
Family Tree Game
I made a little Family Tree Game for my kids to go along with the family tree. I wrote names of their family members & ancestors going back to their great grandparents- on popsicle sticks.
Each person in the family tree got their own stick. Then we had to try to put our tree together. It was a little tricky for them, but they were starting to get it after a little while. Even if it takes them a while, I feel it is really important for them to be familiar with the names of their ancestors.
Family Generation Pictures
The Family Tree Detective: Cracking the Case of Your Family’s Story, by Ann Douglas
Me and my Family Tree, by Joan Sweeney and Annette Cable.
It looks like you had lots of fun on your trip and during this week’s activities. I also have a passion for family history and love passing it on to my kiddos. We’re actually going to have a couple of units related to family history coming this summer and fall. My kiddos have been very fortunate. Each time we’ve adopted, they’ve been able to go to the temple to be sealed. It’s been so neat for them to have those experiences young. Thank you so much for writing this post. It was a very enjoyable read. 🙂
This is why I wrote the Gianna the Great series of children’s books, in order to get them interested in their family history and genealogy.
Love this. Have been looking for a way to teach my grandkids about their ancestry.