Building a family tree is an exciting and engaging activity that can bring your family closer together. It’s a fantastic way to explore your heritage, understand your roots, and strengthen the bonds between generations. In this article, we’ll guide you through a simplified and enjoyable process of creating a family tree, with a focus on involving children. Let’s embark on this adventure of discovering your family’s history while having fun along the way!
Step 1: Start with What You Know
Begin by gathering information about your immediate family. Write down the names of immediate family members. Start by drawing simple stick figures representing each family member.
Step 2: Explore Family Stories and Photos
Make the process more engaging by sharing family stories and looking at old photographs together. This helps bring the family tree to life and creates a deeper connection with their heritage.
Step 3: Create a Visual Tree
Get creative and turn your family tree into a visually appealing project. Draw your own tree or use our free download below. The more children are involved in creating this project, the more they will learn.
Step 4: Add Immediate Family
Start by placing your children’s names at the bottom of the tree, then add their parents (you and your partner) above them. Continue adding grandparents and great-grandparents moving upwards on the tree.
Step 5: Explore Family Connections
Encourage your children to discover more about their family connections. Create a short list of simple questions for children to discuss with their older family members, to learn more about their stories, hobbies, and memories. You can go deeper by visiting places important to these family members, including their place of birth and where they grew up. Let your children ask questions and fill in the details on the family tree, making it a collaborative effort.
Step 6: Include Fun Facts and Photos
Make the family tree more interactive by adding fun facts about each family member. Include details like favorite hobbies, special talents, or memorable adventures. Print out small photos of family members and stick them next to their names on the tree, creating a visual representation of your relatives.
Step 7: Display and Celebrate
Once your family tree is complete, find a special place to display it in your home. Encourage your children to share their creation with other family members and friends during gatherings or special occasions. Celebrate the journey of discovering your family’s history and the connections that bind you together.
Building a simple and fun family tree with children is an engaging way to explore your family’s heritage and strengthen family bonds. By involving your children in the process, you create a sense of excitement and curiosity about their roots. Remember, the purpose of this activity is to have fun, foster a love for family history, and create lasting memories for generations to come.
The Incredible Thread is a personalized book that takes each child on a journey to discover their unique ancestral heritage. Go back in time to visit a West African kingdom, set sail in Scandinavia to find the Northern Lights, discover the miracle of Jewish challah bread, and the origins of Mexican chocolate. Along the way, learn how our roots connect us all together like one big family! With over 30 cultures and places to choose from, where will your child go? Personalize and view your book for free here!
Want to build your own family tree?
Download our free print-ready family tree file.
Or download our free editable digital download to add additional family members in Canva or Photoshop.
