Genealogists tend to develop a deep connection, a love, for their ancestors. It is only natural that the genealogist would want to share that love with those living members of their family, whom they also love. Of course, the key question is, “Where do I begin?” Creating Junior Genealogists: Tips and Activities for Family History Fun, by Karen Frisch, helps answer that question, and the many other questions likely to arise in sharing one’s family history with children.
Frisch suggests two key variable must exist to effectively introduce children to their ancestors. First, the reader must know their ancestors for themselves, by getting to know the stories and the historical perspective for the times in which one’s ancestors lived. Second, the reader must know their own children/grandchildren; including, their interests, their learning styles, and their dislikes. What motives your child? What peaks their interest? Children won’t simple grasp the value of knowing their ancestors. Without knowing their interests, the chances a child will connect with their past becomes limited. This book provides suggestions and way in which the older generation can successfully meet these two requirements and bring fun and joy to the process of teaching and learning about family history.
From discovering family treasures to participating in research activities, this book offers many ideas from bridging the generational gaps between children and their ancestors. Activities are not limited to the home or the computer. Suggestions include movies and museums, reunions and reenactments, ideas for beginners and the value of traditions. Each topic is covered with examples and suggestion which are easy to follow or copy.
Ideas in the book include ideas for teaching interested children in the actual process of research. For example, learn to teach children how to start a family tree, explore cemeteries for names and dates, and find records on the Internet, something they probably already excel at. Through these tools, kids don’t just learn about their ancestors, they develop key educational skills, like researching and writing. The following table of contents provides a good view into the books coverage on the subject.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Treasures in the Attic
- Old Photographs
- Treasures in Hiding
- Family Heirlooms
- Heirloom Jewelry
2. Activities You Can Do at Home
- Family Stories
- Family Night
- Games and Activities
- Holidays and Civic Events
3. Fun with History
- Life in the Past
- School History and Genealogy Projects
- Historical Books
- Historical Movies and Videos
- Living Histories and Historical Reenactments
4. Family History for Beginners
- Churches and Cemeteries
- Family History Centers and Libraries
- Kids on the Internet
- Stories from Relatives
- Family Reunions
- Scrapbooks and Photograph Albums
5. Writing That connects Lives
- E-mails to Grandma
- Letter Writing
- Fun with Pen Pals
- Family Newsletters
- Diaries
6. Fun on the Road
- Children’s Museums
- Historic Museums and Homes
- Renaissance Fairs and the SCA
- Historic USA
7. The Importance of Traditions
- Local and Family Traditions
- Ethnic and heritage Festivals
- Holiday Traditions
- Holiday Cooking
- Religious Traditions
8. Adopted Children: A Dual Heritage
Appendixes
- Appendix A: Websites by State
- Appendix B: Websites Just for Kids
- Appendix C: Resources for Parents
- Appendix D: Children’s Books
- Appendix E: Websites for Families with Adopted Children
Index
About the Author
Creating Junior Genealogists: Tips and Activities for Family History Fun is available from Family Roots Publishing; Item #: TP293, Price: $17.59.