We’ve all heard little children ask about relatives that have passed on, or asked about where they came from, some have heard questions like “Great Grandma, Who’s your Mommy?” Most people consider genealogy as an adult activity of exploration, but since when has a curiosity about our history been pin-pointed as an adult-only activity?
It doesn’t seem fair for those youngsters who want to know, but who can’t quit understand unless they are shown in a way that ‘lays it out’. What better way to do that than working with them to draw out a family tree-treasure map!?
This adventurous and creative activity can take as little as an hour or can become as in-depth as a year-long family project. Kids in today’s society are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to computers; what better way to constructively hone-in on that power than to work with them on a family treasure hunt.
This can be an incredibly engaging activity that will teach them history, science, allow them to be creative, and give them a glimpse into the past. They will be amazed at how similar their family members look but how different life was for them. It will give them the chance to explore other countries, traditions, and let them relive the immigration of their family to America. They could learn about the ports where their family first entered the states (such as Ellis Island), they can get a better understanding of the children of the time (their great, great grandmother’s and so on), and basically see themselves through the eyes of the past.
This will give you and your children a chance to visit (if applicable) local sites and attractions that may apply to your families past. And if there are no family related locales then it may even spark an interest in historical events that relate in general and give you a reason to take a weekend road trip with the kids. Getting them interested in history has never been so much fun, and full of possibilities.
Start small, using a thick foam-like poster board, put your child’s picture in the center of the poster board, and branch out from there. They will get to go through the family photo’s, call or write distant and local family to request copies of ancestor’s photos they do not own. It is a way to bring them together with family, both close and distant. It is a creative endeavor that may take you on a treasure-hunt of family discovery