[Genealib] Multi-generational genealogy workshops

[Elaine Hayes]

Kathie,
I haven't done a multi-generational workshop but I always wanted to.  Of course you probably have to aim the workshop to the understanding level and attention span of the kids.  In addition to very basic family group sheet and pedigree chart stuff, I think since all the kids will have a parent or grandparent with them it's a perfect time to have them break into pairs (with their relative) and have the kids ask the elders some basic (and fun) interview questions.  The kids can get practice interviewing someone (and taking notes) and the older person gets a chance to tell part of their life story to a kid that is motivated to listen.  Maybe the kids can ask their elders about what life was like when they were in 4th or 5th grade?  I think kids of that age usually are very computer literate and love computers, so if you can do some hands-on computer stuff, like having everyone look up a relative in the 1930 census, both the kids and adults will like that.  I would definitely ask the adults to fill out a basic pedigree chart ahead of time (or at least to bring a name of someone who was alive in 1930) so they have some names to search.   I'd also bring someone's family genealogy notebook that they're been working on a few years so you can have some examples of the cool stuff you might find (photos, marriage licenses, wills, land records, military records, etc.).
Good luck,
Elaine
 
Elaine Jones Hayes
Special Collections Librarian - Family & Local History
Assistant Manager - Reference Services
Laramie County Library System
2800 Central Avenue
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
ehayes at lclsonline.org 
307-634-3561 x132


And this I believe: that the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in all the world. And this I would fight for: the freedom of the mind to take any direction it wishes, undirected. And this I must fight against: any idea, religion, or government which limits or destroys the individual. 
- John Steinbeck, "East of Eden" 



 
>>> Kathie Eichfeld <keichfel at wrl.org> 6/14/2007 12:15 PM >>>
I am planning a genealogy workshop for 4th and 5th graders accompanied by a
parent or grandparent.  Has anyone done this before?  If you have, what
activities did you include?  What suggestions do you have?  Thanks for any
assistance.

Kathie Eichfeld
Youth Services Librarian
Williamsburg Regional Library
7770 Croaker Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188-7064
(757)259-4055          www.wrl.org 
                       keichfel at wrl.org 

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