Family History Unit Ideas

Several years ago, my grandfather passed away, leaving a partial autobiography of his life in a Colorado gold-mining town. It was so interesting that I decided to finish the story. The project grew to include my other grandparents and relatives, as I became more and more fascinated with my history and heritage. Eventually, I compiled my work into a book and circulated it as a Christmas gift. Everyone in our widely dispersed family enjoyed the results. The renewal of communication led to a real sense of love, unity and appreciation. I discovered a lot about myself and history "came alive" with real people and personal meaning.

Roots was produced and aired soon after I finished my book. Alex Haley has this to say about the value of Family History to elementary students:

Family history moves students because it gives them a sense of self, a sense of dignity, a sense of worth and a sense of belonging. It helps them understand who they are. . . .

There is no need to do any formal genealogy in order to have a valuable experience with family history. Memories and stories from grandparents and older relatives may be a lot more interesting.

Some of these activities are to encourage your child to record his life for his own descendents some day! Choose those that appeal to you!

• Getting Started
• Home Sources of Family Information
• What's in a Name?
• Your Birthday in History
• Personal Time Line
• Birthday Time Capsule
• Your Own Scrap Book
• Family Address File
• Family Map
• Relatives Map
• Research Project
• Music in Family History
• Old Family Recipes
• Language
• Hobbies and Skills
• Interviewing
• Sample Story: George Washington's Bodyguard
• Sample Story: Grandpa Wilson Lived in the Gay 90s