Ancestors Program teacher’s guide provides a complete series of lessons, worksheets, puzzles, forms, interview questions & handouts that go along with the ANCESTORS program on PBS. Go to: http://www.kbyu.org/ancestors/ and click on TEACHERS GUIDE button on the right side. Be sure to click on “Printable version” or download the whole .pdf guidebook.
CREATIVE WAYS TO GET THE CHILDREN INVOLVED IN GENEALOGY IN THE SUMMER
Select a cemetery to “adopt” this summer. Get permission from the owner first. Mow grass, pull weeds, plant flowers, & clean stones. Research the cemetery & talk about its history even if your own ancestors aren’t buried there! Somebody’s ancestors are buried there!
Make index cards of all your ancestors buried in the same cemetery. Plan a trip & give the kids index cards with names, dates etc. to find ancestors buried there. All ages can participate & enjoy finding their ancestors! Have a picnic at the cemetery & talk about the found ancestors.
Begin a “summer scrapbook.” This is a great idea for girls and teenagers!
Encourage your children to keep a journal.
Write or visit an elderly family member. Ask them about their life & encourage them to tell you stories. Make a movie or write a story about Grandma & Grandpa. Have a family gathering and call it a party or family reunion to highlight them & tell their story!
Have a family reunion that requires all to get involved. Look for books from your local library on this subject for some great ideas.
Plan a trip out of town or out of the country with your family for the purpose of doing research & to “walk where your ancestors walked.” This will have to be well planned in advance and the opportunities for learning are limitless! (Compiled by Flora L VerStraten)
