family tree assignment ideas

Make a Family Tree: Templates & Activities

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Family tree activities are fun for the whole family. Today I have 15 styles of Printable Family Tree Templates for you as well as some fun family tree themed activity ideas for you to use in your classroom, home or church.

Why Learn About Family Trees? 

Many elementary aged kids have a family tree project assigned to them in school.  This is a creative way to help kids share more about themselves and their families.

Why should we learn about and study our family history? I think knowing your personal history is not only a fun activity, but also a wonderful way to make personal connections to extended family.  Our genetics shape who we are, whether we want them to or not!

Our personal history matters, even if our memories and experiences are not the best. We can still learn from these experiences. Yes, family trees can get complicated, especially when divorce or adoption are involved in families.  But even the complications should be recorded!

I love learning about our family heritage, history and culture. I also love the idea of keeping a personal family history for future generations. Another term for family history is genealogy.

It’s wonderful for kids to learn how to create their own family tree.  There is something special about knowing the names of their older relatives and ancestors. Knowing about your family history and culture can bring a deeper meaning to your life. It can help you understand yourself better.

Creating a family tree can be tied into social studies lesson plans, too. Learn more about the different cultures and countries where your family members originated from.

Learn about the family history of others with this awesome book: Famous Family Trees .

Family Tree Symbolism & History

The tree symbol has been used for thousands of years to represent connection. The branches and the roots symbolize how a family grows yet still remains connected over time. With each new branch a new life of family member is represented binding our ancestry to us.

It seems to stem back to Isaiah 11: 1  “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.”

This is about Jesse, the father of King David. Christ came from this lineage.

The first family tree may have bee in the 11th century when this verse was created through art with Jesse’s family as the branches. This became known as the Jesse tree.  During medieval times, nobility began to use the tree to represent their lineage. The term family tree seems to have become common in the 18th century.

See Also my Post on Family History for Kids where I share a Family Tree Game using craft sticks. I also share our 5 generation family photo frames , and some books we enjoy about family history for kids in this post. I also shared there my story of learning about my family heritage by visiting the country of my paternal grandfather’s birth.

How To Make Your Own Family Tree:

A family tree starts with yourself on the tree trunk and moves upwards branching out to parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on on the various tree branches.  The tree branches out in the different family units. It can include the family information of just direct lines, or have siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.

You can make a family tree with a picture of a family member in each place, or with just a person’s name. Do you have a box of old family photos lying around?  Make sure you know who everyone is in those photos!   It’s great to add their date of birth and death dates (when applicable) to the family trees to keep record of people. You can use one of my printable templates, or draw your own trees.

Making a family tree is a great DIY project!  It also makes a wonderful gift for parents or grandparents on special occasions. You can make a family tree in various styles.

• Make a simple and adorable family tree with a child’s hand print. The wrist and arm is the trunk of the tree and the fingers of the hand are the branches.  Glue it onto a contrasting colored piece of paper. Cut out some little leaves with green paper to add a few more names of family members.
• You can get beautiful family tree art custom made online! They can be hand drawn or painted. There are even ones made of metal or wood.
• Hand sew a family tree and embroider the names!  My sister made one of these for my mom and it was so beautiful & meaningful.
• Kids can draw a large family tree on a poster board to display for an oral presentation or school project.

Learn more about family stories and family traditions of older generations, your ancestors and relatives with this Family Interview I created.

This printable family history interview is great for young children or older children to use when interviewing grandparents or parents, but can be used for any members of your family. I used it to interview both my parents and grandparents. I videoed them to preserve it!

This interview is awesome to learn about their memories of major historical events they may have lived through. Were they alive in World War II? Did they go to a Beatles concert?  What other cool things can you learn?

Download my Printable Set of Family Tree Templates Now!

I have a set of  15 different styles of family tree worksheet or templates styles. There are 5 diagram style trees or pedigrees without a tree background and 10 styles with a tree background. Some are 3 generation, some are 4 generation and some are 5 generation.  A few are in color, but most are in black and white. Print these out on white paper and fill it in with each of the names of your family members.

DOWNLOAD NOW!

How to Find your Ancestors

If you are new to family history, and there is no record of your family, there are many online resources to help you find your people.  I promise it will test your research skills, though!  It can especially be difficult if your family tree extends back to different countries and the records are in a foreign language.

I love using a website called Ancestry to do genealogy research.   On this site, you can find pictures, census records, immigration records, birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, pictures of head stones, and more!  You can visit historic sites, cemeteries, or family history centers around the country to learn more as well. I love doing ancestry research on this site!

I also love another site called FamilySearch .  Here you can create your own family tree, add family pictures, stories of each individual, and connect generations of people.  You can research and find people who have already been discovered and connect them to your tree. This website was created by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But, it is free to use by any who have interest in learning about their ancestors. They have printable versions, too.

Take some time to preserve your own history. Your family will be glad you have that record! Talk to the older family members in your life while you still can, before their memories are lost forever.

Former school teacher turned homeschool mom of 4 kids. Loves creating awesome hands-on creative learning ideas to make learning engaging and memorable for all kids!

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10 Creative Family Tree Project Ideas for Students: Fun and Engaging Ways to Explore Your Ancestry

Family tree project ideas are more than just assignments; they are a journey into understanding our roots, connecting with our heritage, and appreciating the stories that shaped who we are today.

Whether you’re a student looking to complete a school project or someone simply interested in tracing your lineage, creating a family tree can be a deeply rewarding experience.

Importance of Family Tree Project Ideas

Table of Contents

Family tree projects are important for several reasons. They help students:

• Connect with Their Heritage: Understanding where you come from can provide a sense of identity and belonging.
• Develop Research Skills: Tracing family history requires research and critical thinking, skills valuable in many areas of life.
• Enhance Storytelling Abilities: Sharing family stories helps in developing communication skills and emotional intelligence.
• Foster Family Bonds: Collaborating with family members on these projects can strengthen relationships and open up conversations about family history.

Benefits for Students

For students, the benefits of creating a family tree are manifold:

• Educational Value: It ties into subjects like history, geography, and sociology.
• Critical Thinking: Analyzing records and making connections develops analytical skills.
• Creativity: Designing and presenting the family tree allows for creative expression.
• Personal Growth: Learning about ancestors can inspire personal growth and resilience.

1. Traditional Hand-Drawn Family Tree

Materials needed.

• Large sheet of paper or poster board
• Colored pencils or markers
• Photos (optional)
• Glue (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

• Gather Information: Start by collecting information from family members. Note down names, birth dates, and any other relevant details.
• Draw the Tree: On your large sheet of paper, draw the trunk and branches. Each branch represents a family line.
• Add Names: Write the names and details on each branch, starting with yourself at the base and moving upwards for ancestors.
• Decorate: Use colored pencils to add leaves, fruits, or other decorations. You can also glue on small photos.

Tips for Accurate Representation

• Verify information with multiple sources.
• Be mindful of different family structures and ensure everyone is represented respectfully.

2. Digital Family Tree

Best software and apps.

• FamilySearch

How to Get Started

• Choose a Platform: Select a software or app that suits your needs.
• Input Information: Start entering the data you’ve collected.
• Explore Features: Many platforms offer hints and tips to expand your tree with historical records.

Advantages of a Digital Approach

• Ease of Editing: Changes and updates are simple to make.
• Access to Records: Many platforms offer access to vast databases of historical records.
• Sharing: Easily share your tree with family members around the world.

3. Photo Family Tree

Collecting and scanning photos.

• Ask Family Members: Request old photos from relatives.
• Scan and Digitize: Use a scanner to create digital copies of physical photos.

Creative Display Ideas

• Photo Collage: Create a collage of photos in the shape of a tree.
• Scrapbook: Design a scrapbook with each page dedicated to a different family branch.

Preserving Family Memories

• High-Quality Prints: Use high-quality paper and ink for printing photos.
• Digital Backup: Keep digital backups of all photos to ensure they’re preserved.

4. Storytelling Family Tree

Combining stories with genealogy.

• Interview Relatives: Gather stories and anecdotes from family members.
• Write Narratives: Combine these stories with genealogical information to create a rich family history.

Writing Prompts and Ideas

• Significant Events: Focus on key events like marriages, births, and migrations.
• Personal Achievements: Highlight notable achievements and contributions of family members.

How to Present Stories

• Family Book: Compile stories into a family book.
• Multimedia Presentation: Use a tool like PowerPoint to create a multimedia presentation with text, photos, and videos.

5. Crafty Family Tree

Using craft materials (e.g., paper, fabric, buttons).

• Paper and Fabric: Use colored paper or fabric scraps to create leaves and branches.
• Buttons and Beads: Incorporate buttons and beads for a unique, tactile element.

Step-by-Step Craft Instructions

• Create a Base: Use a large piece of cardboard or canvas as your base.
• Design the Tree: Draw or paint the trunk and branches.
• Add Details: Glue on leaves, buttons, and other decorative elements.

Display and Preservation Tips

• Frame It: Consider framing your craft project to protect it.
• Keep Away from Sunlight: Display it in a location where it won’t be exposed to direct sunlight to prevent fading.

6. Interactive Family Tree

Using tools like powerpoint or prezi.

• PowerPoint: Create a slide for each family member with links to photos and stories.
• Prezi: Use Prezi’s zooming interface to create an interactive, visually engaging family tree.

Adding Multimedia Elements (videos, audio recordings)

• Record Interviews: Include audio or video recordings of family members sharing stories.
• Embed Clips: Add these recordings to your presentation for an interactive experience.

Engaging Presentations

• Interactive Features: Use hyperlinks and interactive elements to make your presentation engaging.
• Live Demos: Consider presenting your family tree live to family members and allowing them to explore it themselves.

7. Online Family Tree Platforms

Overview of popular platforms (e.g., ancestry, myheritage).

• Ancestry: Known for its extensive records and DNA testing services.
• MyHeritage: Offers unique features like colorizing old photos.
• FamilySearch: Free platform with a large database of historical records.
• Geni: Focuses on creating a collaborative family tree.
• RootsMagic: Provides comprehensive tools for serious genealogists.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Easy to use, access to vast records, collaborative features.
• Cons: Some platforms require subscriptions, privacy concerns.

Getting the Most Out of Online Tools

• Regular Updates: Keep your tree updated with new information.
• Collaborate: Invite family members to contribute.
• Use Hints: Take advantage of hints and tips offered by the platform to expand your tree.

8. Family Tree in a Jar

• Small paper tags or leaves
• Twine or string

Creative Steps to Build It

• Prepare the Jar: Clean and dry the jar.
• Create Tags: Write names and details on small paper tags or leaves.
• Assemble: Attach the tags to twine and place them in the jar, layering them creatively.

Display Ideas

• Centerpiece: Use as a centerpiece for family gatherings.
• Shelve Display: Place on a shelf with other family memorabilia.

9. Artistic Family Tree

Using artistic mediums (painting, drawing).

• Paint: Use acrylic or watercolor paints to create a vibrant tree.
• Draw: Use pencils or markers for a detailed, illustrative approach.

How to Start an Artistic Project

• Sketch Your Design: Plan out your tree on paper before starting.
• Choose Your Medium: Decide whether you’ll paint, draw, or use another artistic technique.
• Create: Start with the trunk and branches, then add names and details.

Tips for Non-Artists

• Templates: Use templates to guide your design.
• Practice: Don’t be afraid to practice on scrap paper first .
• Keep it Simple: Sometimes, less is more. Focus on a clean, simple design.

10. Historical Family Tree

Researching family history.

• Online Records: Use online databases and archives.
• Local Libraries: Visit local libraries or historical societies.
• Family Interviews: Talk to older relatives who can provide firsthand accounts.

Incorporating Historical Context

• Historical Events: Note major historical events that impacted your family.
• Cultural Practices: Include information on cultural or societal practices relevant to your ancestors.

Presenting a Historical Perspective

• Timeline: Create a timeline that includes both family events and historical events.
• Storytelling: Write narratives that weave together your family’s history with larger historical contexts.

Starting a family tree project can be an enriching journey that not only helps you learn about your ancestors but also strengthens family bonds and enhances your research and storytelling skills.

Whether you opt for a traditional hand-drawn tree, a digital version, or a creative craft project, each method offers unique benefits and insights. So gather your materials, reach out to family members, and embark on this meaningful adventure.

Share your project with others, and inspire them to uncover their own family histories. Remember, every family tree is a testament to the stories and experiences that connect us all.

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Modern and Inclusive Family Tree Project Ideas

The family tree project is something that’s been around for years. It has become a right of passage for most students in North America. For many, this is a chance to showcase their family, research their ancestors, and share where they come from. However, the family tree project can be triggering for students who do not have a traditional family. They may have a history of trauma, adoption, loss or death. Or they may have same sex parents or divorce with remarriage and new family members. As times and family units have changed, plus our understanding of childhood trauma, so must the family tree project change and become more inclusive. Let’s explore some inclusive alternatives to the family tree project .

Modern Family Tree Project Ideas

What you will discover in this article!

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First up, I want to say I totally understand the appeal a Family Tree Project can have. In fact, I LOVE the idea of genealogy, ancestry and tracing my family tree. Researching long lost relatives, exploring my family heritage, and learning my own history. I get that appeal. But I do have to strongly disagree that it should be a school project with rigid rules and constraints. IT should not be a project that excludes those that don’t fit in the traditional family “box” or have a family stories that are complex. The negative impacts on our children’s mental health are too great. And the educational goals of the Family Tree Project as a learning activity can be achieved through other means.

Lack of Trauma Informed Thinking

While doing research for this article I was incredibly frustrated by the lack of empathy, compassion and understanding presented by many resources on this topic. Perhaps because trauma informed education is such a strong focus for me, I wrongly assume all educators have at least a passing understanding of trauma and children’s mental health.

The idea that any teacher would force a student to do a project that could be incredibly damaging, trigger anxiety and PTSD, cause stress and fights in the home, and most of all force children to relive traumatic experiences in front of their peers and classmates, is sickening to me.

It is understandable that this project does provide an educational experience, but there is something that needs to be understood. Children that are struggling with mental health issues will struggle to learn. We need to put mental health first, school second . By avoiding projects that are particularly triggering for many vulnerable children, you will be setting children up for a stronger, more effective learning experience.

Which at the end of the day is what everyone wants. We simply want our children healthy and educated.

Trauma Through Generations

One aspect I think many miss in the discussion of the family tree project in classrooms is that research has shown that severe trauma alters the genetics of a person and they pass on that trauma to future generations.

It’s the study of epigenetics and you can read more about it here .

Understanding intergenerational trauma and how trauma can be passed down from grandparents to grand children, only highlights the importance of modernizing the traditional family tree project.

Understanding The Goal of the Family Tree Project

No child should ever be forced to do a traditional Family Tree Project for the classroom. Especially those that have nontraditional backgrounds or have experienced ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) . The goals of the assignment can be easily achieved using a number of different projects. All while supporting our most vulnerable students.

When deciding on a more suitable learning project to replace the family tree, the first thing a teacher needs to consider is the goal of the project. In most cases the goal is to teach kids a bit about history and research techniques.

It may also be a project intended to teach children more about themselves and their personal family history. Perhaps also how their own history ties into greater historical events and teachings. Personal connections can help children have a greater passion for a subject. For example, knowing Great-Grandfather fought in World War II, may make it much more interesting to learn about the war.

In some instances, the family tree is part of learning about immigration or family studies. It may also be used as a launching point for lessons in genetics and heredity.

Before you move forward with a family tree project in your classroom, examine the goals of your project, then see if you can come up with a more inclusive option for students. Something that will foster a sense of pride and self confidence and self love for the students themselves and their families. No matter how those family tree branches curve and twist.

Here are a few ideas for inclusive family tree projects.

Inclusive Family Tree Project Ideas

With all of this in mind, we used some creativity and came up with these unique family tree projects. All of these will still encourage children to break out the craft materials and create a great DIY project, while still respecting that for many kids, our chosen family is our true family.

Allow your students to create their own very important people tree. Have your students write the names of the important individuals in their lives on the branches and positive characteristics about them on the attached leaves. Sometimes students who have traumatic childhood experiences may struggle to think of positive adults in their lives. Encourage them to include anyone that matters to them, including friends, teachers, coaches, and people they admire.

Celebrity Family

In some foreign language classes, the family tree assignment has been a way to learn the names of family members in the studied language. This can also be used for English as a Second Language Learners. However, when coupled with a family tree, which requires students to share the names of their own family members, this assignment can be difficult and often heartbreaking for children dealing with trauma. Vocabulary and language can still be taught by using celebrities or a television show family. I have seen some adorable family trees with Mickey and Minnie Mouse (and other Disney characters as siblings and children) as well as other celebrity families.

Celebrity families can be a fantastic alternative to the traditional family tree project. It may not have the personal connection, but many students become very passionate about popular figures.

Autobiography Poem

Instead of focusing on the extended family, have your students share their own autobiographical poems. Each line should start with “I” and they may include where they are from, their family members (if they would like), adjectives to describe themselves, things they love to do, things they fear, and things they hope for. These poems are incredible ways for your students to express themselves. Often, older children who are dealing with trauma can find an outlet in writing, particularly about themselves.

Inspired by History Fictional Story

Ask students to write a short story about someone important to them. It could be an ancestor that lived through a major historical event, or it may be a modern family member that has a particular impact on the student. It doesn’t even need to be a biological family member. The story does not need to be 100% fact. Encourage students to do their research so their stories are based in fact, but allow them the flexibility to be creative in their story telling so they can create a compelling story. Even if it glosses over any problematic or stressful situations.

Classroom Community Garden

Your class may be the closest thing to a true family that some of your students have. School may be the place they feel the safest. Celebrate that with a community garden. Allow each student to create a flower or element of the garden that represents themselves. Have them write a brief message describing what they contribute to make your classroom garden grow and flourish. Post your community garden on a classroom bulletin board or wall. Your classroom family garden can be nurtured all year long.

A family tree project may seem like a rite of passage in school, but for many students it causes anxiety and pain. For students with adverse childhood experiences or nontraditional families, a family tree is more than just listing members of your family. We need to modernize the family tree project and make it a positive, affirming rite of passage for all children.

The goal is to create a project that allows children to explore themselves and their lives, in a safe way that doesn’t isolate them, but instead allows them to celebrate their unique life circumstances and those that are special to them. The family tree project can also be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate diversity, inclusion and the family unit.

These inclusive alternatives to the family tree project are important ways to keep all students in mind, whether they come from families dealing with divorce, death, adoption, foster care, or other situations. Try some of these alternate projects in your classroom.

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Free Family Tree Lesson Plans for Kids and Teens

Last Updated February 8, 2020

by Kate Jackson

Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, a classroom teacher or the designated genealogy educator at a library or church – finding the best way to share the basics (and fun!) of family history with kids and teens can be tough. Luckily, a family tree lesson plan, or one that focuses on ancestry research, can make your job much easier.  These super helpful teaching tools make it so you don’t have to create every element of your instruction from scratch.

If you’ve already dug into Pinterest in search of the perfect family history lesson plan, but you’re still in need of something more, we’ve rounded up some of the best sources of free, in-depth resources for students from Pre-K all the way through high school. Looking for adult genealogy education? Check out our online courses . 

Every resource on this list is completely free to use. Also, as you discover these resources, be on the lookout for bonus materials – many of these family tree focused lesson plans feature additional teaching resources like printable worksheets, educational game ideas, supportive activities, and family history coloring pages.

Where to Find Free Family Tree Lesson Plans for Kids and Teens

Here are 4 free family tree lesson plans to get you started right away:.

• Make a Family Tree from Education.com
• Digging at the Roots of Your Family Tree from PBS Learning Media
• Understanding My Family’s History from Teaching Tolerance
• Who’s Who in My Family from Family Locket

If you are looking to build out a family tree with your students, the four free lesson plans above will get you started right away. You can also find free printable family trees , perfect for kids, here . For resources focused on a wide range of family history research topics see the detailed list below.

8 Additional Sources of In-Depth Family History Lesson Plans:

1. edsitement.

This partnership between the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Trust for the Humanities is brimming with educational materials for any educator interested in teaching the humanities in their home or classroom. 

From family tree lesson plans to student resources to interactive features – EDSITEment! goes in-depth into a very wide variety of topics, including family history. Search all the lesson plans here or check out our top picks, for grades K-5, below:

• Where I Come From
• What is History? Timelines and Oral Histories
• My Piece of History
• How Did Surnames Come to Be? Lesson 1 , Lesson 2 , Lesson 3 and Lesson 4

2. The Learning Network

This educational resource from the New York Times publishes over a thousand teaching materials every year. 

In addition to many lessons regarding current events, geography, and an expansive writing curriculum, this useful site also features several lesson plans for teaching elements of family history research.

Educators can use up to 5 lesson plans per school year for free. Find these genealogy lesson plans, geared toward middle schoolers and up, below:

• Cemeteries Are Historical, Not Solely Grave
• All in the Family

3. DOCSTeach

This online tool from the U.S. National Archives is centered around teaching with documents. A resource for students and teachers, DOCSTeach features lessons and activities that can teach the budding family historian how to use primary source documents in their genealogy research and beyond, an important part of building a family tree.

In addition to a wide array of lesson plans and activities relating to this critical element of family history research, educators can also customize their own activities using this tool. Get started using DOCSTeach here or go straight to some of their genealogy-related lesson plans below:

• Evaluating a Needlework Sampler as Historical Evidence
• The Impact of the Immigration Act of 1924

4. National First Ladies’ Library

The National First Ladies Library is an organization focused on preserving and promoting the accomplishments of the First Ladies of the U.S. 

Among many other interesting resources, this site offers dozens of free history lesson plans for educators to use – including a lesson that aims to get middle school students interested in family tree research as it relates to U.S. and world history. Check it out below:

• Genealogy: Coming to America 

Michael John Neill, of the genealogy research site RootDig, has put together a great lesson plan for introducing the elementary student to census research, family group sheets, and more. You can find it below:

• The Third Grader’s 1850 Census

6. Growing Little Leaves

Focused on the youngest family historians – from toddler to elementary – Growing Little Leaves shows us that even the smallest ones can participate in family history.

In addition to a bounty of ancestry-focused lesson plans and activities, this site features fun add-ons like coloring pages, printables, games, crafts and tons more. Check out all they have to offer below:

• Kid-Friendly Genealogy Activities, Projects, and Crafts
• Free Family History Lesson Plans and Resources

7. Library of Congress

It comes as no surprise that the Library of Congress, with all it has to offer the family history researcher, would have a few gems in store for those looking to educate younger generations about genealogy research.

You can browse all Library of Congress lesson plans, each of which use primary sources from the LOC, here . We’ve included our favorites below:

• Family Customs Past and Present: Exploring Cultural Rituals
• Primary Sources and Personal Artifacts

8. Family Locket

The Family Locket’s focus is on helping family historians become better researchers as well as including kids in the adventure of family history research. 

Much of their educational content for kids is focused on the youngest of family historians but their expansive resource library features materials for teaching family history to kids and teens alike. 

From printables to crafts to free family tree lesson plans and more – the resource library is not to be missed. Find it, as well as preschool plans, below:

• Preschool Family History Storytime
• Family History Ideas for Children and Teens

Need a little something more? Learn where to find hundreds of free genealogy printables, including ones for kids, right here.

Hoping to continue your own education in family history research to help your students? Consider taking a genealogy research course from Family History Daily. 

Best of luck and happy teaching!

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Image: Children in classroom, between 1919 and 1929, American Red Cross. Library of Congress.

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Why It’s Time to Rethink Family Tree Assignments

They may be more harmful than you realize.

Most of us remember plodding through family tree assignments at some point during our school years. Perhaps you created a handprint tree in preschool or filled out your madre and padre on a worksheet for Spanish class. It’s a common activity for a topic that’s important in schools—family. But in 2020, our students are coming from increasingly diverse families, and these types of activities can feel unsettling and exclusionary.

It’s time we moved past the family trees and looked for more inclusive options. Here are several reasons why it’s time to rethink the family tree assignment:

All families are different.

We all know that families consist of something more than diverse than a mom, dad, and 2.5 children. So why do our family trees still reflect that structure? Schools should not require students to complete an activity that fails to represent LGBTQ-headed, multigenerational, step, adoptive, and foster families.

Families are important to children. When they don’t see their own family reflected in the curriculum, they feel left out. And a student who doesn’t feel welcome at school might fail to learn. 

Not everyone has access to family information.

Family tree assignments often require students to research their family history, and that’s just not possible for everyone. Children in adoptive and foster families may not have baby pictures or be able to draw a coat of arms with a flag of where their ancestors came from. And it’s not just about the inability to complete the assignment, which is stressful enough. The greater harm is the complicated emotions that can come up for students when we remind them of what they don’t know.

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Family tree assignments are not trauma-informed.

We must consider that not all students come from loving home environments. Many of our students have experienced abuse and neglect. Family tree activities can trigger anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder in students with adverse childhood experiences. Revelation of their private lives can also make them vulnerable to bullying and isolation. Our students’ physical and mental well-being should always come first.

Let’s move to more inclusive projects.

All this is not to say that we shouldn’t be talking about families in school. We can and should. We just have to be more mindful of what kinds of activities we plan. Try “Circles of Caring Community” , a lesson from Welcoming Schools that focuses on all the caring adults in students’ lives. “Autobio” and “Where I’m From” poems are also nice ways for students to share about themselves and the important people in their lives outside the confines of a traditional family tree assignment.

What alternate ideas do you have to family trees? Come and share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, why we should make all school events inclusive.

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10 Ways to Rethink the Family Tree Project – And Be More Inclusive to All Students!

by Laura Hudgens

The family tree project that many of us remember doing as kids can be a fun way for students to learn research skills. It can also spark a child’s interest in their personal history or provide a creative way for students to share information and stories about their family with classmates. Unfortunately, for students who are adopted, in foster care, or who come from non-traditional homes, the family tree assignment can be uncomfortable. 

If you are looking for ways for your students to learn and share about the people they love, check out these alternatives to family tree projects.

Focus on traditions, not genetics.

By looking at family traditions, students can share what is unique or interesting about their household—no matter what their family situation is like. Students can also look outside their own experience and learn about other people’s family traditions.

1. Write about or give a presentation on one of your family traditions or pastimes.

It can be something as elaborate as a Bar Mitzvah or a confirmation or as simple as Sunday morning pancakes or Friday night movie night. Whatever it is, it will give students a chance to reflect on what their family holds dear and why.

2. Research family traditions from around the world .

Ask students to write about a tradition they would like to start in their own family and why.

Interview someone (anyone!) about family life.

By giving them the option of interviewing family members or non-relatives about family life, students can gain insight into other people’s experiences.

3. Interview someone about their family history.

This person doesn’t have to be related to the student. After all, learning things about other people’s families is fun too.

4. Interview several different types of family members from any family.

Students can talk to mothers, fathers, older siblings, younger siblings, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Encourage students to ask questions about each family member’s role, their responsibilities, or their favorite and least favorite things about that role.

Look at history.

Giving a family-themed lesson a historical spin is an excellent way to bring history to life.

5. Choose significant events in history and research connections to family members or family friends who were alive then.

My mother’s Great Aunt Zelda was alive during the Great Depression. Our next-door neighbor’s great great grandmother was a suffragette. This is a great way to give major historical events some context.

6. Research the family history of someone famous.

Knowing the background of historical figures can sometimes make them seem more real and more relatable. Additionally, finding out a famous person came from humble or troubled circumstances inspires students to rise above their own challenges.

Record family data, rather than family history.

Combine data analysis and family research in a way that is less personal and exclusive than a family tree assignment but still allows students to learn things about the people they live with.

7. Gather random facts about the members of your household and record the data.

Have students survey family or household members about things like whether or not they like pineapple on pizza, if they prefer cats or dogs, or if they eat the cake first or the frosting. They can then record these statistics– 75 percent of my family members prefer dogs over cats or 5 out of 6 people in my household do not like pineapple on pizza.

8. Create a test for skills that are not necessarily genetic and record the results.

Have students ask members of their family or household to do things like answer riddles , shoot baskets, or recite tongue twisters and keep track of which family members possess which skills. They can even document which family members can roll their tongue since that actually has nothing to do with genetics . But if students are really interested in genetics (or superpowers), have them explore these fascinating gene mutations.

Get creative!

Allow students to come up with fun and interesting ways to look at families and family life.

9. Make up a family tree.

Begin with a single fictitious person or couple and let students give them a family history full of fascinating, funny, or sinister relatives.

10. Create alien family traditions.

Allow students to imagine life in a family from a planet and galaxy of their own creation. What holidays do they celebrate and how? How do they celebrate births and commemorate deaths? What rituals do they observe as a part of family life?

Just as there is no one-size-fits-all family. There is no one-size-fits-all assignment when it comes to learning and sharing about family life. The family tree assignment can be fun and fascinating for many students, but providing alternatives respects the feelings and circumstances of all learners.

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14 Fantastic Family Tree Activities

November 10, 2023 //  by  Keren Dinkin

Looking to help your kids explore their family history? A traditional family tree project can get a little boring, but thankfully, the family tree has been reinvented! Check out these easy and fun ways to make learning about family history fun for your kiddos! From paintings and scrapbooking to homemade puzzles and games, these fantastic family tree activities offer fun ways to educate kids about their very own personal histories! Which ones stand out for your class?

1. Scrapbook

Scrapbooking is not only super fun but it’s a great way to get your class’ creative juices flowing. A family tree scrapbook can be made up of family photos, stories, baby pictures, and any other mementos that have a special meaning. There’s room for whatever your kids can think up.

Learn More: Thought Co.

2. Family Wall Décor

A family tree gallery is a great way to celebrate all your kiddos’ families and your class community! With permission from home, they’ll enjoy bringing in photos from family vacations, holidays, or other special occasions to discuss and add to the gallery! Bonus points for adding some clip art and fun fonts in the photo captions.

Learn More: YouTube

3. Make A Family Book

For your youngsters, a family book is a fun and engaging way to get your kids started! Let them draw and color various family members and some of their favorite things! The kids will love sharing what they’ve created with the rest of the class!

Learn More: Itsy Bitsy Fun

4. Personalized Placemats

Final products that have a functional purpose are always a big hit! Why not have your class make unique family tree placemats to gift to family members? For your older learners, you could even incorporate tools such as Canva or Adobe Illustrator to have them make borders and practice their design layout skills.

Learn More: Hub Pages

5. Film A Family Documentary

Lights, camera, and action! Encourage your future cinematographers to get creative by working on a family documentary! They’ll get to interview their family members and capture them using smartphones then edit these together into their final project! This is sure to be fun to watch both in school and at home.

Learn More: Family Tree

6. Fill Time Capsule

Ah, the everlasting time capsule! Inspire your little historians to preserve and celebrate their families’ memories to be discovered later on! You can make this project as simple or elaborate as you wish. Have them brainstorm a list of things they might add like trinkets, letters, recipes, old postcards, or baby items; you’ll be amazed at what your kiddos come up with!

Learn More: Living Well Spending Less

7. Create A Family Website or Blog

Your digital natives will jump at this opportunity! A family tree website is an awesome idea that’ll not only help your kids learn about their families but also give you the chance to teach some IT lessons. The beauty of this idea is that they can customize the design and content to reflect their family and can share it with members who live out of state!

8. Family Map

Inspire your kids to put their family on the map! Get them to create a personalized map of all the important places within their family history— where people lived, where they were born, and other important milestones! It’s a great way to celebrate their roots!

Learn More: Crate & Kids Blog

9. Sequence A Family Timeline

How about getting your learners to map out all the big milestones in the lives of different family members with a timeline activity?  Get them to place these events into chronological order on their family’s timeline and they could even add in two or three historical events that might have overlapped family ones!

Learn More: Imagination Soup

10. Piece Together a Puzzle

Have your class make their own family tree-themed puzzle with a few basic art supplies and family pictures. But do make sure they use digital downloads or scan the original glossy ones—you don’t want anyone to get grounded, after all! If your family tree unit happens to take place near any holidays, this will also make a great gift! 

11. Decorate A Real Tree

Want a real tree in your classroom? Take a trip to your local greenhouse this weekend and pick up a potted Fig Tree or a Norfolk Spruce then get your kiddies to create ornaments representing their family members. Encourage them to include key information on the back before hanging them on branches to make it a whole class family tree!

Learn More: Artful Kids

12. Craft a Pop-Up Book on Family

Help your students make a unique pop-up book of their family with just a few basic craft materials and a bit of patience. Your kids will need to come prepared only with a handful of family pictures to make the pop-up book. Expand the activity by having kids read their pop-ups to younger classmates during library time.

13. Create a Family Diorama

This one is a great at-home project and is sure to inspire some family bonding! Challenge your kiddos to create a representation of their family in a shoebox! They can be as creative as they like and use anything from photos to clay to LEGO to create their project!

14. DIY Guess-Who Family Edition

When in doubt, gamify it! Put your classroom Guess Who board on rotation and have your kids add family photos to the tiles. Each of them will have a few days to complete the tiles, play the game with their folks, and record it by taking some photos. This is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at home!

Learn More: Paper Trail Design

Family Tree Project for School or Home

Family Tree Fun Home Family Tree Ideas Family Tree Gift Ideas Family Tree Word Search Family Tree Crossword Family Tree School Project Ideas

School Projects

Family Tree School Project Ideas and more

Family tree projects for school and home, new grade level specific family tree school project pages, family tree grade school project ideas, family tree middle school project ideas, family tree high school project ideas.

Copyright © 2011 Hidden Genealogy Nuggets. All rights reserved.

Family Tree Worksheets for Kids: Free Printables & Fun Activities

Discovering your family history is a thrilling and enriching journey, and what better way to embark on this adventure than with our “11 My Family Tree Printable Worksheets and Activities”? Dive into our free printable family tree worksheet to start mapping out your lineage. Use our detailed family tree printout and blank family tree printable template to visualize your ancestors’ journey. For those seeking more depth, our printable family tree charts and free printable ancestry charts offer comprehensive insights into your heritage.

Engage kids with our simple family tree chart worksheet printables, ideal for introducing them to genealogy in an easy-to-understand format. For a more advanced exploration, our pedigree chart and free printable pedigree chart provide a detailed look into your family’s past.

But it’s not just about charts and templates. We infuse fun into learning with activities like a genealogy-themed crossword, fill-in-the-blanks exercises to learn about family relationships and word search puzzles. Stimulate creativity with coloring, paste and pasting, and color activities that make learning about family history an interactive experience. Challenge your knowledge with activities involving missing family members and understanding complex family connections.

These worksheets and activities also focus on specific family relationships, helping children and adults alike understand the connections they share with their  grandfathers ,  grandmothers ,  sons ,  daughters ,  fathers ,  mothers ,  siblings ,  brothers ,  sisters , and  cousins .

Join us as we guide you through a world of discovery, where each worksheet and activity brings you closer to your roots and strengthens the bonds of family. Let’s unravel the stories and connections that make your family unique!

Free Printable Family Tree Worksheet

Dive into your family history with our free printable family tree worksheet. This easy-to-use template allows you to map out your immediate and extended family, offering a clear view of your ancestral lineage. It’s a perfect starting point for beginners in genealogy.

Family Tree Print Out

The  family tree printout  is an excellent tool for visually representing your family’s history. This engaging activity can be a collaborative family project, where each member can contribute details about relatives, making the learning process both informative and interactive.

Blank Family Tree Printable Template

Our  blank family tree printable template  is versatile, allowing you to start from scratch and fill in as much information as you have. This template is especially useful for those who are still in the early stages of researching their family history.

Printable Free Family Tree Charts

For those looking for more detailed and extensive charts, our  printable free family tree charts  cater to deeper genealogical research. These charts provide ample space for including multiple generations and extended family members.

Simple Family Tree Chart Worksheet Printables

The  simple family tree chart worksheet printables  are perfect for younger learners or those who prefer a more straightforward approach. These worksheets focus on immediate family members, making them less overwhelming and easier to fill out.

Pedigree Chart and Free Printable Ancestry Charts

For a more advanced exploration of your lineage, our  pedigree chart  and  free printable ancestry charts  offer a comprehensive look at your family’s history. These charts are particularly useful for those interested in detailed genealogical research.

Free Printable Pedigree Chart

The  free printable pedigree chart  is a must-have for anyone serious about tracing their lineage. This chart allows for a detailed and systematic recording of ancestral information, which is crucial for accurate genealogy research.

Engaging Worksheet Activities

Challenge your knowledge of your family history with a custom-made crossword puzzle featuring clues related to your ancestors.

Fill in the Blanks:

A fun way for children to learn about their family members, this activity involves filling in names and relationships in a family tree.

Relationship:

Understanding how family members are related can be complex. This worksheet simplifies it by teaching kids about different familial relationships.

Younger family members will enjoy coloring a family tree, making it a colorful and memorable activity.

Cut and Pasting:

This hands-on activity involves cutting and pasting pictures of family members onto the family tree, enhancing the learning experience.

Missing Letters:

A puzzle where certain family members are ‘missing’ from the tree, and kids must figure out where they belong.

Word Search:

A fun and engaging way to familiarize yourself with the names of your ancestors.

Family tree relationship names

These worksheets are designed to highlight various family relationships, including son, daughter, father, mother, siblings (brother and sister), and cousins. Through these activities, children can understand their family structure and the different connections within it.

• grandfather
• grandmother
• grandparents
• granddaughter

Young one will enjoy by practicing this blank family tree printable template with image. This is perfect for preschoolers, kindergarten, grade 1 kids who could use to improve their knowledge about family relationship names.

We have designed these worksheets from basic to advance. In my family tree printable worksheet, kids have to write the names of his/her family member’s names. Following that, another image of family tree has to be pasted on it. This will be fun activity for any kids who start to learn about his family.

After completing these activity sheets, kids will able to build their own family tree project ideas.

Our collection of 11 family tree printable worksheets and activities offers a diverse range of engaging and educational ways to explore and understand your family history. From simple charts for beginners to more comprehensive tools for detailed genealogical research, these resources cater to all ages and stages of learning. Embrace the journey of discovering your roots and share the experience with your family!

• Five sense worksheets in pdf – Match, Fill, Puzzle, Missing letters
• Word search puzzle: 100 Must know words for 1st grade

Related Posts

Family Tree Project for Kids with Free Printable

Tiffany from Making the World Cuter here! I remember doing a project in maybe 3rd grade about my family. It was the first time I think I really ever was asked to think about the family that was outside of my own home. I remember going to the library with my mom to look up the meaning of our last name (we didn’t have Google back then) and feeling a real connection to my ancestors for the first time. I had to ask my parents about their parents and their lives…and then do the same thing with my living grandparents. I was absolutely fascinated by the things they told me!

My own kids love hearing stories about their ancestors, and with modern technology I’m able to show them old pictures, handwriting and stories that other family members have shared. It is is so fun to see where we came from! Making a little family history book is a great way to get your kids excited about family history.

Family Tree Project for Kids

Supplies: (affiliate links included)

• 1/2″ Binder with clear view cover
• Free Printable Family Tree
• Free Printable Family Questions
• Construction Paper or Card Stock
• Page Protectors or 3 Hole Punch
• Art Supplies: i.e. Markers, Glue Stick, Scissors

OR just cut these cards out and use them as fun dinner conversation topics…especially when you have the chance to have cousins, grandparents or other family members over. While these were sitting on my counter, I had a friend stop by and we started talking about the answers to some of these and I felt like I got to know her so much better! It’s always fun to dive a little deeper.

I hope you enjoy this fun family tree project! For even more printable fun and gift ideas head on over to Making the World Cuter and say hi!

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21 DIY Creative Family Tree Ideas – How to Make a Family Tree Template

In today’s world, families are often scattered far and wide. Keeping the kids in your family connected through a family tree is an excellent way to help them understand who they are and how they fit into the greater world and community around them. This article will inspire your family to get together for a fun and creative family tree project. Now, let’s explore some creative family tree ideas that you can do to help keep those important family ties alive.

Table of Contents

What is a family tree?

A family tree is a picture or 3D representation that shows how all of your family members are connected from generation to generation. Basically, it shows family members how they are related to each other. This visual representation of family connectedness is great for children to experience.

A family tree is an excellent way to combine art with learning about your family history. You can keep it simple for younger kids, perhaps only going back three generations, but older children will have fun researching their deep family history. The important thing is for the children to be engaged in the activity. Good family tree project ideas for kindergarten children are ones that keep them actively involved in the process.

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Why are family trees and genealogies important.

Family trees are important for children (teens and adults too for that matter) as they grow and try to establish their own identity and place in the world. A family tree can help them understand why they look the way they do and how they are similar to other family members. Finding out where their ancestors came from can also spark their interest in learning more about world history or a different culture. It can help a child learn to tell their story about who they are and how they came to be.

How to Make a Family Tree: 21 DIY Creative Family Tree Ideas

Making a creative family tree template makes the project more fun and memorable for everyone. There are many creative family tree ideas out there that your family can do for a DIY family tree template. There are also some wonderful 3D family tree project ideas to consider doing. The ideas and projects do not have to be complicated. Try your best to keep it simple and fun for the family. Here are 21 of my favorites that I could find across the Internet.

1. Printable family tree with leaves that the child can glue onto the page. Or use colorful fingerprints for the leaves if you really want to make the project fun and creative.

2. Paint a mural on the wall that shows the tree branches and uses framed photos of family members. Or use a family tree wall decal for a faster project.

3. Circular family tree with the family’s last name in the middle.

4. The good ol’ classic project: Printable family tree with various blank shapes (ovals, hearts, rectangles, etc.) for each family member.

5. Family tree with names as branches.

6. Use old family photos as the branches of the tree.

7. Make a 3D family tree in a shadow box.

8. Family milestones template that shows major events such as births and marriages.

9. Create a family tree quilt as an heirloom.

10. Make Christmas tree ornaments with family photos and old photos of family members for the holidays.

11. Attach and actual tree branch to the wall and use family pictures.

12. Hang a big map on the wall and write the names of where family members were originally from.

13. Include family pets on the family tree.

14. Attach Family photos to clothespins and put them on branches in a flowerpot with the family name on it.

15. Have your child make green thumbprints on a printable template for family members.

16. Have your child make handprints on a tree template.

17. Create a family tree on your stairway wall with family portraits.

18. If you have family heirloom antiques, put a picture of the family member by the object.

19. Use Scrabble pieces to interconnect family member names, glue them, and mount them on a wall.

20. Use blank cards with a photo on the outside and a short story or something about the family member on the inside.

21. Paint the family tree in the child’s room.

Wow. What a list! These are enough ideas to keep your curious family busy for a while!

The Best Family Tree Software for Design and Layout

As you can see, there are many ideas for creatively displaying your family tree. Family tree software can help you organize your material and research before beginning the project. Your choices range from desktop versions that you can purchase, subscription sites, and some that are compatible with other genealogy software. Here is a list of some of our favorite software for family trees.

Online Family Tree Resources

• Genes Reunited

Desktop Family Tree Software

• Ancestral Quest 16
• Family Tree Builder 8
• Family Tree Maker 2019
• Legacy Family Tree 9
• RootsMagic 7.5 with TreeShare

What about the 23andMe family tree product?

23andMe has made quite a name for itself in recent years. The popular website offers people a low-cost way to explore your genetics and find out in-depth information about where you came from based on DNA. The 23andMe family tree is extensive and allows you to dive deep into your family roots. Many people have found out some surprising information from this product. However, not everything is rosy when it comes to 23andMe, and they have recently landed in some hot water with the FDA.

For only $99, you can spit in a test tube, mail in the sample, and within a few short weeks find out information about things like whether you are likely to sneeze when you look at a bright light or why you have certain preferences for tastes and smells. The company does this by looking at different sites along your DNA strand that codes for these traits. It can also tell you whether you have certain markers that indicate that you have ancestors in a certain part of the world.

All of this information is fun and entertaining, and it can help you decode your family history. If you have children, it can be an important learning tool. This might seem innocent, but from the beginning, the company was in trouble with the FDA. The FDA considers the test to be a medical device, which means that it must meet FDA approval before being marketed. The kits were being sold before they met the approval, and they even continued selling the devices after being told to stop by the FDA.

The FDA also questioned the accuracy of the results that the company was providing its customers. All the while, 23andMe continued to promote that their tests were indeed safe and that they had the evidence to back up those claims. While these issues are a concern, many of the 23andMe customers were not in it to obtain medical advice about their genome. They were in it for the entertainment and educational value.

As it turns out, this is not the worst threat that this genetic testing company poses to consumers. It seems that their intention was not exactly as stated. It appears as if they wanted to use the service to harvest people’s information. It looks like the long-term business strategy of 23andMe was not to make its fortune selling kits but to collect your personal information and then sell it to medical researchers without your permission.

Once you send in your test kit, your information is entered into a database where it will remain forever to be sold at a later time. As of 2013, the database contained the DNA of over 500,000 people. However, there is possibly an even more nefarious intention behind all of this data collection. I know that I’m going deep here, but this is important stuff. As of 2013, the founder of 23andMe was married to the co-founder of your favorite internet search engine.

Once you submit your test kit to 23andMe, they know more about you than you do. They have your entire DNA sequence, and that information can be sold to a third party who can then deliver targeted advertising to you. If you read 23andMe’s privacy policy, you will discover that they have diluted the term “consent” to the point where they can do almost anything that they wish with your data, and you have absolutely no recourse.

Once your data has been sold and entered into the databases of big companies that you did not even know existed, it also carries the potential of being hacked and stolen too. The website itself carries an ominous warning about sharing your genetic information with others because of the potential of using it against your best interests. Hmmm. If you are a person who is concerned about privacy and protecting your personal information, then you need to carefully consider the value of the information that you would receive against the potential risks. I personally won’t submit my genetic information to 23andMe for a family tree project or anything else, but it’s ultimately your choice for you and your family.

Family Trees and American Slavery

One of the challenges that Americans of African descent face is that they often can only find family information that goes back three generations. This can make doing a deep family tree project a tough task for Black families. Although, a history lesson can tell you the general areas on the African continent where the slaves that were captured and sold were from, many times, the records of African ancestors were not kept accurately. Sometimes, they were destroyed either accidentally or on purpose.

As slaves and families were bought, sold, and broken apart, many of the records become difficult to trace. It is not uncommon for the records to be as vague as “one male child.” If you are fortunate, you might be able to get the name of the ancestor who first came across on the slave ship, but even this can be difficult. Not only this, but many of the African people also did not have a written language at that time, so there were no written records. Many African traditions are oral and passed from generation to generation through song and storytelling.

This is a contrast to European ancestors, where it is possible to trace your lineage back to the 1400s. Trying to find family information where scant information is available can be quite challenging. In some cases, the best that you can do is to focus on what we do know about the culture and traditions of the people who survived the inhumane journey across the Atlantic. If you are a member of a Black family like I am, try your best to get as much family information as you can so that you can explore creative family tree project ideas with your family.

In Conclusion

As you can see, a family tree is important for helping your family establish a strong sense of history and identity. Parenting is a blessing and this activity can bring out another level of gratitude for life and family. Hopefully, I have given you more than enough creative family tree ideas and resources to get you started. Learning about your family history as a family is an excellent way to bring everyone together and create some memories that will last forever. And after you make your family tree, perhaps you can come together and create a family crest !

Now that you have some ideas for a family tree project, maybe you can shift gears and talk to your kids about money and finances .

About Chris Craft

Hi! I'm Chris(topher) Craft. I'm a believer, husband of an amazing woman (Wanda), and father of three talented kids (Naomi, Maria, and Elijah). I love writing, making music, learning about God's Hand in History, entrepreneurship, and basketball. Thank you for reading my stuff! ❤️ Connect with me on Twitter @CraftWrites .

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All About My Family - Family Tree Project

Updated:  24 Aug 2024

Use a printable set of family tree templates and graphic organizers to help you students learn about their families.

Editable:  Google Slides

Non-Editable:  PDF

Pages:  1 Page

• Curriculum Curriculum:  TEKS

Grades:  1 - 6

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Inquiry and research: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking using multiple texts. The student engages in both short-term and sustained recursive inquiry processes for a variety of purposes. The student is expected to: (1) gene...

Looking for Printable Family Tree Project Ideas?

Welcome to our printable family tree activity! This activity is perfect for elementary-grade students who are learning about their family history and genealogy.

Our family tree activity includes a detailed diagram for students to fill in with information about their ancestors. The diagram includes spaces for students to add the names, birth dates and relationships to the student of each member of their immediate and extended family.

Completing the Family Tree Project

To complete the project, students will first need to gather information about their family members from parents, grandparents, or other relatives. They can also use online resources or family documents to gather information.

Once the students have collected all the information, they can begin filling in the diagram. They should start with themselves at the center and work outwards, adding parents, grandparents, and other family members as they go.

The finished product is a beautiful and informative representation of the student’s family history that they can be proud of and share with their classmates and family.

Don’t hesitate to get your hands on this valuable tool today and give the students an engaging and interactive way of learning about their family tree!

This set of worksheets includes various graphic organizers for students to write about different family members, along with a craft template for assembling their own family tree.

Download and Print!

This resource is available as a printable PDF resource file, as well as a fully editable Google Slides resource. To get your copy, click the dropdown arrow on the download button.

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and Teach Starter collaborator.

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Blog Graphs and Charts How to Make a Family Tree Diagram (+ Examples)

How to Make a Family Tree Diagram (+ Examples)

Written by: Daleska Pedriquez May 26, 2023

Family trees are created to show the ancestry and family history of an individual.

Making a family tree diagram can help you discover things about your past and feel more connected to your heritage.

Learn how to make a family tree diagram in this post and get examples from Venngage as well as a step-by-step guide on how to use our  Family Tree Maker .

Want to create a family tree diagram but not sure where to start? Check out our customizable family tree diagram templates to start off on the right path.

Click to jump ahead:

What is a family tree?

4 steps to make a family tree diagram.

• 5 family tree examples

FAQs about family tree diagrams

A family tree is a diagram that traces a person’s lineage by showing their ancestors and the generations of families that were built throughout the years.

Here is an example:

Based on its name, a family tree is structured like a tree, with the individual as the ‘root’ and their parents, grandparents, and ancestors making up the ‘leaves’ one level at a time.

In a family tree chart, lines are used to connect family members and portray their relationships. Each family member is represented by a shape like a box or a circle with usually their photo inside.

To start creating your family tree diagram, simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Research and prepare information

The first thing you need to do before you start drawing your family tree is to gather information about your family. You can check official birth records and DNA test results or simply talk to a relative or any member of your family who has knowledge about your ancestry.

The first thing you need to do before you start drawing your family tree is to gather information about your family. In addition to checking official birth records and conversing with relatives knowledgeable about your ancestry, considering DNA testing can provide profound insights. For those of Asian descent, you can discover your Asian heritage with these DNA tests , offering a detailed exploration of your ancestral roots.

Depending on how much information you will be able to acquire, it should help you determine how big and how detailed you want your family tree to be. Decide on how many generations you want to include and what information you will display for each family member, such as maiden name, year of birth, and role in the family.

Step 2: Draft your family tree drawing

To draw your family tree, start with a box representing yourself or the ancestor you want to begin with. Family trees can be diagrammed either from the top, bottom or horizontally as long as the root will always be yourself.

Here is an example of a family tree that’s drawn horizontally:

Add more boxes until all your family members have been included. Instead of drawing by hand, save time by using an intuitive design tool like Venngage’s  Family Tree Maker  to create your family tree. It is specifically made for both designers and non-designers alike so it is extremely easy to use.

Venngage’s  Family Tree Maker  can help you better visualize your family tree through its user-friendly editor with drag-and-drop features. It allows you to change and connect shapes, add labels, and edit colors and other design elements in a matter of seconds.

Venngage also has dozens of free diagrams and templates that you can customize to make the process even faster and easier.

Step 3: Label the leaves of the tree

Most family trees usually outline up to four generations only to make them easier to understand. That said, make sure that family members and their relationships with each other are clearly illustrated by labeling each box or ‘leaf’ correctly.

Indicate names and roles and any additional information you think may be relevant. Use lines to display relationships between spouses and connect parents with direct descendants like children and grandchildren.

Step 4: Design your family tree diagram

Now, this is the part where you enhance and finalize your family tree. Use family photos to add faces to the people you are trying to introduce with your tree. Color-coordinate shapes, lines, or labels to group generations, differentiate deceased from living relatives, and create a distinction between different relationships.

To make your family tree more attractive and engaging, you can design it with icons, graphics, illustrations, or backgrounds – all of which are provided for free in Venngage’s library. You can also make use of a family tree softwar e to streamline research and access to valuable resources.

Venngage also has a business feature called  My Brand Kit  that enables you to add your company’s logo, color palette, and fonts to all your designs with a single click.

For example, you can make a family tree diagram template reflect your brand design by uploading your brand logo, fonts, and color palette using Venngage’s branding feature.

Not only are Venngage templates free to use and professionally designed, but they are also tailored for various use cases and industries to fit your exact needs and requirements.

A business account also includes the  real-time collaboration feature , so you can invite members of your team to work simultaneously on a project.

Venngage allows you to share your family tree online as well as download it as a PNG or PDF file. That way, your design will always be presentation-ready.

5 Family Tree examples

Here are some family tree examples for inspiration that you can use to create a family tree:

1. Simple family tree

This simple family tree template has a distinguishable tree-like shape and features such as branches and colors. It is editable in Microsoft Excel and Word.

2. Ancestry family tree

If you want a unique and more effectively illustrated family tree, this is the template you’re looking for. It has a horizontal layout with the starting point placed in the middle and extending to the left and right to better display ancestors from both sides of the family:

3. Blank family tree

For a more organized and unified family tree, this template is what you should use. It focuses on the structure of the tree and the arrangement of its parts through clearly defined connections and allotting only small spaces for each family member:

4. Graphic family tree

Here’s a template that you can use if you want to represent family members with icons or graphic illustrations instead of photos. It also uses roles as labels instead of names, which is more effective at portraying relationships.

5. Four generation family tree

Last but not least, here’s a perfect example of a family tree that depicts four generations of family members. If you want your family tree diagram to focus on distant relatives instead of immediate family members, then this template will come in handy:

What is the history of making family tree diagrams?

Genealogy or the study of families was the earliest form and application of family trees.

Historically, in Western civilizations, family trees, also known as genealogy charts, were used to depict the ancestry of kings and nobles and verify their claims to royalty and power.

Family trees were maintained for years on end. The family tree of Confucius, for example, is already 2,500 years old and is recorded as the world’s largest family tree with 2 million known descendants.

Today, a genealogy chart is no longer just for aristocrats and important people, but for everyone to record their family history and maintain their family tree.

Should you create a family tree?

If you would like to know more about your family or you want to start recording your family history, then you should definitely make your own family tree.

It is also a great way to find out how your family story relates to important historical events.

More importantly, a family tree can help you identify genetic traits and conditions that run in your family. These are often referred to as genograms .

Related: 10+ Genogram Examples (and How to Create Them)

How can you make a family tree diagram with Venngage?

Venngage’s  Family Tree Maker  lets you create a family tree diagram in 4 simple steps:

• Sign up to create an account and use the Family Tree Maker for free
• Choose a free template from Venngage’s Templates library
• Edit the template to create new shapes, reconnect the lines, add labels, and upload your own images or choose free stock photos and graphics from our library
• Download your family tree as a PDF or PNG file or share it online with your family and friends

Is there a template for a family tree?

There are many family tree templates available online. However, using Venngage’s templates means you can also use the smart editor for free and not have to download or purchase a graphic design software just to edit a template. Venngage also offers a Genogram Maker .

How do you start a family tree online?

You can use a variety of online design platforms and software to create a family tree but they may require you to purchase plans and templates. Fortunately, Venngage is a free tool and has free templates to help you create a family tree without any restrictions.

What program do you use to make a family tree?

When it comes to creating a family tree, you have plenty of options including traditional tools like Microsoft Word or PowerPoint. Check out this blog for the top family tree software picks.

However, if you’re looking for a user-friendly and visually appealing experience, consider Venngage! Venngage provides customizable family tree templates , allowing you to personalize and showcase your family connections with ease. The easy-to-use interface simplifies the process, making it easy for anyone to create a unique and engaging family tree.

Visualize family relationships with Venngage’s Family Tree Maker.

Making a family tree diagram can help you learn about your family history and understand the connections between family members. Use Venngage’s  Family Tree Maker  to create a well-defined family tree.

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12 Family Tree Ideas You Can DIY, Even If You Didn't Get the Creative Gene

The hardest part is collecting the photos!

What better way to show off your family pride than with a family tree? We love these DIY ideas for displaying old family photos (and your genealogical history)!

Love Letters Family Tree

Chart out your family tree from letters and leaves cut from photocopied pages from the past, whether your grandparents' love letters, newspaper clippings, street maps, or marriage or graduation certificates.

See more at Thistlewood Farms .

Chalkboard Family Tree

Photos + names written with chalk pens = the cutest (and easiest) family tree ever.

Get the tutorial at  Your Homebased Mom .

Family Tree Decal

This decal does the "wood" work for you—all you need to do is add framed photos.

See more at wallums.com .

Wood-Burned Family Tree

This Etsy kit comes with everything you need to DIY your own wood-burned family tree.

Family Tree Shadow Box

Branch out and create a 3-D family tree with a shadow box.

Get the tutorial at  Crafty Sisters .

Thumbprint Family Tree

This may be meant as a wedding guest book idea, but we think it would work just as well for a family tree. Fill in your ancestors with your own fingerprints (have your husband do his side), and then let the kiddos stamp their own.

Get the tutorial at  One Fab Day.

Family Tree Wall Art

How lovely is this wordy wall art?

Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch Blog .

Bottle Caps Family Tree

Bottle caps make the most darling frames for your family photos in this DIY idea.

Quilted Family Tree

If you're handy with a needle and thread, this is the coziest way to celebrate your genealogy—with named leaves or not.

Find out more at Red Pepper Quilts .

Painted Gallery Wall

Simply paint the stump and branches on a wall and add frames for family photos.

Get the tutorial at  Poppytalk .

Family Tree Embroidery Kit

This one's a throwback, but who knew you could still get these cross-stitching kits? We love the vintage look.

Get the kit on etsy.com .

Family Tree Wreath

Here's a wreath you'll want to hang year-round!

Get the tutorial at  Rook No. 17 .

Taysha Murtaugh was the Lifestyle Editor at CountryLiving.com.

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• My Storyboards

Family Tree Worksheets

Customize family tree templates.

If you're assigning this to your students, copy the worksheet to your account and save. When creating an assignment, just select it as a template!

Why Family Tree Worksheets are a Useful Tool for the Classroom

Family trees can be a powerful tool for learning about familial history, relationships, and heritage, and our family tree creator can help bring them to life. Whether you're a teacher looking for a creative way to engage your students or a parent wanting to teach your children about their background, family tree example worksheets and templates can be an excellent resource. These activities offer a great opportunity to learn about histories and connections while also developing important skills such as research, organization, and critical thinking. With a variety of creative templates, worksheets, and online resources available, teachers and parents can easily incorporate this activity into their lesson plans to enrich the learning experience for children of all ages. With Storyboard That, it is easy to make a family tree template for any age group!

How to Structure Family Tree Classroom Activities

There are various ways to design custom templates. The design of the template may depend on factors such as the purpose of the activity, the age and skill level of the students, and the specific software or tools being used to create the template. Some templates may include a simple tree with spaces for names and dates, while others may have more elaborate designs with space for photos or illustrations of family members.

There are several creative ways to present family tree activities on templates and worksheets, such as:

• Use Different Shapes: Instead of the traditional tree shape, try using different shapes such as a house or a heart to represent the family tree.
• Use Colors: Try using different colors to represent different generations or branches. This can make the family tree charts visually appealing and a lot easier to understand.
• Add Pictures: Add pictures to the names and relations of family members to make it more engaging and personalized.
• Include Symbols: Use symbols such as hearts, stars, or arrows to represent relationships and connections between members.
• Use Timelines: Create a timeline-style family tree to show the progression of generations and key events in the family's history.
• Create a Collage: Have kids create a collage-style family tree by cutting out pictures and words from magazines and newspapers.
• Make it Interactive: Use online tools or software to create an interactive family tree that allows students to click on family members and learn more about them.

Overall, the key is to make the activity creative and engaging for students, while still conveying important information about history and relationships.

Family Tree Activity Ideas by Subject

• History and Genealogy: Family tree worksheets can be used to teach children about their history and genealogy, helping them understand their roots and their own background.
• Language Arts: These worksheets can also be used to teach vocabulary related to family members, relationships, and family history. Students can also write narratives about their relatives or use the family tree as a basis for creating characters in their writing.
• Social Studies: Family tree worksheets can be used to teach different structures and cultural traditions related to family.
• Science: The worksheets are used to teach students about genetics and inheritance, helping them understand how traits are passed down through generations.
• Visual Arts: Worksheets can be used as a basis for creating art projects, such as creating a collage of photos or drawing a portrait of a relative.

Family Tree Activity Ideas by Grade Level

Elementary school.

Create a Family Tree Collage: Provide your class with a blank family tree template and have them cut out and paste pictures of relatives onto the tree.

Family Interviews: Assign students to interview family members about their history and create a family tree worksheet based on the information they gather. This activity will not only teach them about relationships but also improve their interviewing skills.

Family Tree Game: Create a game where kids have to match relatives with their correct positions on a family tree. This activity will help them understand the different relationships within a group.

Middle School

Comparative Family Trees: Provide the class with a template and have them complete "make your own family trees" activities as well as the family tree of a historical figure or character from literature. They can compare and contrast the different structures and relationships.

Ancestry Research: Assign students to research their ancestry and create a family tree worksheet based on their findings. This activity will not only teach them about their own history but also improve their research skills.

Family Tree Art: Have children create an artistic representation of their family tree using symbols and imagery to represent relatives and relationships.

High School

Genogram Analysis: Introduce students to the concept of genograms and have them create a family tree worksheet using this method. They can analyze the different relationships and patterns of behavior.

Family History Project: Assign your class to research and create a detailed history project, including a family tree worksheet, historical context, and personal narratives. This activity will teach them about research skills, writing skills, and their personal history.

Cultural Family Trees: Have students research different cultures and create family tree worksheets based on the different family structures and relationships within those cultures. This activity will teach them about cultural diversity and the importance of family in different cultures.

Additional Family Tree Design Templates By Subject

Social Studies/History: Have students research their history and create a family tree. Encourage them to interview relatives and gather information about their ancestors. Discuss how family history can help us understand our own place in history. Use family tree activities as a way to teach about cultural traditions and how families pass them down through generations.

Science: Use family tree worksheets to teach about genetics and inheritance. Have kids fill in information about relative's traits and track how they are passed down through the generations.

Language Arts: Use family tree templates to teach about character development in literature. Have students create family trees for fictional characters and analyze how their relationships affect the plot.

Math: Use family tree worksheets to teach about data analysis and graphing. Have students collect data on the number of siblings, grandparents, or other relatives of their classmates and create a graph to display the data. Use family tree activities as a way to teach about probability and statistics, as students calculate the likelihood of certain genetic traits being passed down through generations.

Art: Use family tree templates to teach about visual storytelling. Have kids create a family tree that includes images of each family member and tells a story about their history.

Technology: Use a free family tree maker online or family tree generator tools to teach about digital tools and organization. Have students create digital family trees and use technology to organize and display the information.

Using Family Tree Templates in Foreign Language Lessons

By incorporating family tree worksheets into foreign language lessons, students can practice language skills while also learning about family structures and traditions in different cultures. Here are some suggestions on how to structure foreign language lessons using family tree worksheets:

• Conversation Practice: Have students use the family tree worksheet as a guide for practicing conversations in the foreign language. For example, have them ask and answer questions about their relatives using the appropriate vocabulary.
• Cultural Comparisons: Use the family tree worksheet as a way to compare and contrast family structures and traditions in different cultures. Have students research and fill in the worksheet with information about a family from another country, and then compare it to their own family tree.
• Writing Practice: Use the worksheet as a way to practice writing in the foreign language. Have students write a paragraph or essay about their family members, using the family tree as a guide.
• Creative Projects: Have students create a visual representation of their family tree, using pictures or symbols to represent each family member. This can be done using art supplies or computer software.

Creative Designs for Family Tree Activity Templates

• Create a family tree timeline. Instead of a traditional tree, create a timeline that shows the different generations of a family and their major life events, such as births, marriages, and deaths.
• Have kids create a "mini-biography" of a relative. In addition to the family tree, have students create a mini-biography of a family member, including their name, birthdate, occupation, and any interesting facts about them.
• Create a cookbook. Ask students to gather family recipes from their relatives and create a cookbook. Include photos and stories about the members who contributed each recipe.

How to Make a Family Tree Worksheet

Choose one of the premade family tree templates.

We have color, black and white, portrait, or landscape templates. Take a look at our example for inspiration!

Click on "Copy Template"

Once you do this, you will be directed to the storyboard creator.

Give Your Worksheet a Name!

Be sure to call it something related to the topic so that you can easily find it in the future.

Edit Your Worksheet

This is where you will include directions, specific questions and images, and make any aesthetic changes that you would like. The options are endless!

Click "Save and Exit"

When you are finished with your worksheet, click this button in the lower right hand corner to exit your storyboard.

From here you can print, download as a PDF, attach it to an assignment and use it digitally, and more!

Even More Storyboard That Resources and Free Printables

• Biography Poster Templates
• Timeline Poster Templates
• Biographies: Family Life
• History Project Ideas

Happy Creating!

Frequently Asked Questions about Family Tree Worksheets

What are some features to consider when creating a family tree worksheet template.

When you create family tree free worksheet templates, it's important to consider the size of the family, the number of generations, the types of relationships, and the design of the template. The template should be easy to read and follow, and it should have space for students to fill in their family information.

What should teachers avoid when assigning family tree activities in the classroom?

When assigning family tree activities in the classroom, teachers should avoid making assumptions about students' family structures or making the activity mandatory for all students. Teachers should be sensitive to the fact that some students may not have traditional family structures or may not feel comfortable discussing their family history. Additionally, teachers should avoid asking students to share personal or sensitive information about their families unless they have obtained parental consent.

What are some different ways to design family tree templates?

There are various ways to design family tree templates. The design of the template may depend on factors such as the purpose of the activity, the age and skill level of the students, and the specific software or tools being used to create the template. Some templates may include a simple tree with spaces for names and dates, while others may have more elaborate designs with space for photos or illustrations of family members. It is important for teachers to consider the needs of their students and the learning objectives of the activity when designing family tree templates.

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ESL Activities

ESL Games, Activities, Lesson Plans, Jobs & More

in Icebreakers + Warm-Ups · Speaking

ESL Family Activities, Games, Lesson Plans & Resources| ESL Family Tree

The “Family” unit is a classic is almost every single ESL/EFL textbook, especially for beginners. It can be a little bit boring for the teacher, as well as the students if you do the same old thing all the time. Check out some of my favourite family ESL activities to try out with your classes today. They range from beginner to advanced, and kids to adults.

ESL Family Activities and Games

ESL family games and activities

Let’s get into the best ESL family tree activities and ESL family games. Keep on reading for our top options for family tree ESL ideas.

#1 ESL Family Games: Mixed up Sentences

If you’re teaching beginners the basics of how to describe their family, then you might want to consider using this grammar review activity.

You can use sentences like:

“I have a brother and two sisters.”

“My Mom is 48 years old and my dad is 45.”

“My brother likes to play soccer.”

You mix them up in random order and the students have to unscramble them to make correct sentences. Learn more here: Mixed Up Sentences Review Activity .

#2 ESL Family Activity: Picture Prompt

This ESL Family Activity works for just about any topic actually. The way it works is that you put a picture or photo up on the screen. In this case, you’d probably want to show a family doing some activity. Then, depending on the level, students have to say vocabulary words they see in the picture (beginner), or describe what’s happening (more advanced).

It’s a nice way to begin a class as it helps to set the context. Check out more details here: Picture Prompt ESL Warm-Up .

#3: Information Gap Activities

This style of ESL activity is a classic! It’s where there is a single set of information, but each student only has some of it. They have to work together to put the whole story together.

Information gaps lend themselves well to stories of another family (not their own). Instead of just reading it, do this kind of activity to make it more memorable.

Find out more here: ESL Information Gap Activities .

#4: Just a Minute

If you teach more advanced-level students, then you’ll want to consider using this Toastmaster style activity. Students have to speak for an entire minute about their families without stopping. It’s a nice warm-up, or you could consider using it at the end of class as well.

To turn it into more of a conversational activity, put students into groups of 4. Then, each of the 3 students who were listening has to ask 1-2 follow-up questions based on what they heard.

Check it out here: Just a Minute ESL Speaking Activity.

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#5: Just One Question

This is a fun warm-up activity that gets students out of their seats and moving around the class. If you have sleepy students, it may be your ideal solution!

Put students into pairs and then ask them to think of some interesting questions related to family (around 5). Then, they choose just 1 that they want to survey their classmates about.

Give students time to ask 8-12 of their classmates and take notes about the answers (1 member of the pair is the “talker” and the other is the “writer”). Then, students take a look at their answers, find some patterns and then report their results to the class.

You can learn more about it here: Just One Question ESL Warm-Up .

#6: Typhoon

The ideal way to review just about anything, including family vocabulary is with this game. Check it out:

#7: Journalling about Family

If you teach writing, or even a 4-skills class, consider using journaling with your students. You can give them a few minutes at the beginning or end of a class to do this, or assign it for homework.

I generally assign my students a topic or question to help them get started. Some questions about family that you could use include the following:

• Describe your family.
• What qualities do you admire in your Mom and/or Dad?
• How does your family spend time together?
• What’s your favourite memory of your family?

Find out more here: Journalling for English Learners .

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Smith, Jennifer Booker (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 144 Pages - 03/31/2016 (Publication Date)

#8 ESL Family Activities: Dictogloss

This ESL activity can focus on either speaking or writing, and either way, it’s heavy on the listening. Choose a reading passage related to family. Then, read it out at a mostly normal pace so that the students can grasp around 50% of the information.

Put the students into pairs and they have to work together to recreate the main idea of what they heard. Then, read it again and students can add more information.

At the end, put the reading passage on the screen and students can check and see how they did. Find out more here:

Dictogloss ESL Activity .

#9: Family and Relative Clauses

Relative clauses and the topic of family are often put together in ESL textbooks. It just lends itself well to this in my ways. Think about these example sentences:

• My father is someone WHO is very trustworthy.
• I have a brother THAT can play the guitar.

Find out more about how to teach this grammar point here: How to Teach Relative Clauses.

Family ESL Games and Activities

#10 Family ESL Activity: Speaking Fluency Activity

120-90-60 is a way to encourage students to speak more fluently. Have students prepare a short talk about their family, around 2 minutes long. They can write a few short notes, but not full sentences. Then, they give their speech to a partner or small group.

The next round requires them to include all the same information in 90 seconds. Round 3 is 60 seconds. It’s a fun challenge that students have fun with! Of course, the topic you’d set would be something related to family in this case, although it lends itself well to almost anything.

English Speaking Activity (Fluency) .

#11: Family ESL Surveys

I’m ALL about using surveys in my TEFL classes. Just ask my students and they’ll tell you that they have to do them around once a month, if not more. There are a few reasons that I love them:

• Students have to get out of their seats
• They cover all 4-skills
• You can use them for almost any topic (including family)
• It’s simple to make your own in just a few minutes
• They help students with follow-up questions

Check out some examples of surveys I use in my classes here: Surveys for ESL Students.

#12: ESL Family Trees

Making an ESL family tree is a classic activity for this unit. Depending on the level of student, you could make it as simple, or as detailed as you want. It’s an ideal way to review ESL family vocabulary, and it also makes a nice homework assignment, or class presentation.

Family Tree ESL

How you do your ESL family tree activity is up to you, but I strongly recommend checking the textbook that you’re using. They’ll often have a page with a family tree already there.

The next best option is to print off a simple, blank family tree from the Internet and have students fill it in. A way to extend this activity is to have your ESL students share their tree with a partner or small group (bigger classes) or to the whole class (smaller classes). Be sure to give them some example sentences that they can use to describe their ESL family trees.

#13: ESL Family Vocabulary

If you have a textbook that you’re teaching from, the basic family vocabulary words will almost always be included. More advanced books will include things like niece, nephew, step-brother, etc. However, if you’re not using a book but want to teach your students this vocab, there are plenty of worksheets out here.

Here’s one of my favourites:

ESL Family Vocabulary .

Or, here are some of the most common words related to family that you’ll want to teach your students:

• Grandparents
• Great-grandparents
• Stepmom/dad
• 86 Pages - 12/24/2015 (Publication Date)

#14 ESL Family: Yes and No Question/Answer Activities

One of the first grammar lessons that most beginners learn in English is the “Be” verb. And one of the most common topics to combine this with is “family.” It’s very easy to explain to even total beginners the concepts of: mother, father, brother, sister, etc.

Taking these two things together, there are a ton of simple concept check questions you could ask:

• Do you have a brother?
• Are there four people who live at your house?
• Is there a mom and dad in the picture?
• Do you see three children?

For more ideas, you’ll want to check out the following: ESL Yes or No Activities .

#15 ESL Family Activities: Using the Whiteboard

I don’t know what it is, but my students are ALL about drawing on the whiteboard. There are a ton of fun activities you can do with the whiteboard and the topic of family. If you want to see some of them, then you’ll need to take a look at this awesome resource:

ESL Whiteboard Games and Activities .

ESL family tree

#16 ESL Family Vocabulary Game: A to Z 

If your students have seen family vocabulary before, then you may want to consider using this quick warmer activity to help them activate their prior knowledge before jumping into the heart of your lesson.

The way it works is that each group (2-3 students) writes down the alphabet. Then, they try to think of one family related vocabulary word for each letter. For example:

G=Grandmother

And so on. The winner is the team with the most points at the end of the allotted time. More details about this quick ESL vocabulary warm-up right here: A-Z ESL Warmer.

#17: ESL Family Songs and Chants

If you teach kids, then songs and chants are some ESL teaching gold! However, if you don’t have a musical bone in your body (like me), not to worry. There are lots of good ones on YouTube to consider for any age and level of student.

#18: Speaking Fluency Activity

To use this activity with the family unit, have students talk about a family member that they know really well.

#19: Using Eliciting for ESL Family Vocabulary

Unless your students are true beginners, it’s likely that they already know at least the basic family vocabulary like mom, dad, brother, sister, grandma, etc. If that’s the case, consider starting off your classes by eliciting some of these words. There are two reasons to consider doing this.

The first is that you’re able to find out what the students already know so it’s possible to target the lesson more specifically to what they don’t. The second reason is that it’s useful for activating the students’ prior knowledge so that the new words they learn can be easier to remember. Check out some of the best ideas for doing this:

ESL Eliciting Activities.

 #20: Concentration Vocabulary Memory Game

One of the best games to help students review new vocabulary is concentration. Make up some cards with either words/definitions, words/hints, or words/pictures of the various family vocabulary. What you choose to do really depends on the level of the students.

Then, students play a matching memory game with each other. Find out more about it here: ESL Concentration Game .

#21: Fun TEFL Games for Teaching about Family

#22: word association esl families.

A nice warmer activity for the unit on family if your students are not beginners is word association . Elicit some words that students think of when they hear the word “family.” Then, organize them into various

#23: Me Too!

This is a simple speaking and listening activity. Students have to make a true statement about their families. For example:

• I have a twin.
• My grandparents live with me.
• I have a younger brother.

If other students can agree, they stand up and say, “Me too!”

#24: Running Dictation 

#25: family interviews.

Encourage students to interview their family members about their interests, hobbies, and daily routines. In class, students can share what they learned, using sentences and vocabulary related to family and personal information. This activity helps build communication skills and vocabulary.

#26: Family Photo Gallery

Ask students to bring in family photos and create a classroom photo gallery. Each student can share their photos and talk about their family members, using adjectives to describe them and sentences to explain the significance of each photo.

#27: Family Cookbook

Have students collect family recipes and create a class cookbook. They can write or dictate the recipes in English, including ingredients, instructions, and personal stories or memories associated with each recipe. This activity promotes reading, writing, and speaking skills.

#28: Family Storytelling

Encourage students to share stories about their family traditions, memorable events, or experiences. Students can prepare a short narrative and present it to the class, incorporating descriptive language and sequencing words.

ESL Family Worksheets

Do you want some ready-made family worksheets for your English learners? Then you’ll need to check out some of our favourite resources right here. And of course, be sure to check out the textbook you’re using, along with the homework book or teacher’s resource book which often has some excellent resources to use in your classes.

Family ESL Worksheets:

ISL Collective

Be sure to check out these resources as well if you’re looking for some ESL family tree worksheets. There are lots of them there, ranging from very simple to a bit more complicated.

ESL families activities and games

What about a Family ESL Lesson?

If you’re looking for a ready-made ESL family lesson plan or two, then these activities and games probably didn’t work for you. Not to worry. Here are some of our top picks for complete lesson plans for the family:

ESL Kids Stuff

BBC Teaching English

Or, you might consider planning your own conversation lesson. Find out how here:

Did you like these ESL Family Activities? 

• Bolen, Jackie (Author)
• 148 Pages - 03/09/2016 (Publication Date)

Yes? Though so. Then you’re going to love this book available on Amazon: 101 ESL Activities for Adults . It’s the book you need if you want to have more interesting, engaging English lessons.

The best part is that it’s divided up into easy to find sections. You can look for speaking, listening, reading, writing, review, grammar or 4-skills games and activities in seconds and find what you’re looking for in just a minute or two. Now, if that’s not some English teaching awesome, then I don’t know what is.

You can get the book in a couple of different formats. Take the e-version with you on your phone or tablet to your favourite coffee shop for lesson planning on the go. Or, get the physical version and keep it on the bookshelf in your office to use as a handy reference guide. It really is that easy to have better English lessons.

Check out the book for yourself today, but only if you want to get yourself a serious dose of ESL teaching awesome in your life:

There are a number of common questions that people have about teaching this unit. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.

Why is teaching the family unit important in ESL/EFL?

Teaching the family unit is important because it is a fundamental aspect of everyday life and provides language learners with vocabulary and language structures relevant to personal relationships and descriptions.

How can teachers introduce the family unit to ESL/EFL learners?

Teachers can introduce the family unit by using visuals, real-life photos, or flashcards to teach family members’ names and relationships. They can also incorporate related vocabulary, such as adjectives to describe family members or possessive pronouns to show ownership.

What activities can teachers use to teach the family unit?

Teachers can use activities like family tree projects, role-plays, drawing or describing family members, and creating dialogue or narrative exercises centered around family relationships to teach the family unit.

How can teachers promote cultural awareness while teaching the family unit?

Teachers can promote cultural awareness by discussing and comparing family structures and traditions across different cultures, sharing personal experiences, or incorporating multicultural materials that depict diverse family units.

What language skills can be practiced when teaching the family unit?

Teaching the family unit provides opportunities to practice various language skills such as listening (listening to descriptions of family members), speaking (describing family members or answering questions), reading (reading texts or descriptions about families), and writing (writing about one’s own family or creating fictional stories).

How can teachers personalize the family unit lessons for ESL/EFL learners?

Teachers can encourage students to share information about their own families, ask them to create profiles or presentations about their family members, or provide opportunities for students to discuss cultural aspects of their family backgrounds.

Are there any cultural considerations to keep in mind when teaching the family unit?

Yes, teachers should be sensitive to cultural differences and avoid making assumptions about family structures. It is important to create a safe and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable discussing their families and cultural backgrounds.

What resources can be used to teach the family unit?

Resources such as textbooks, picture books, videos, online interactive exercises, and authentic materials like family photos or interviews can be used to teach the family unit.

How can teachers assess students’ understanding of the family unit?

Teachers can assess students’ understanding of the family unit through activities like quizzes, oral presentations, writing assignments, or by observing their ability to describe family members or engage in conversations about family relationships.

How can teachers extend the family unit topic to further language learning?

Teachers can extend the family unit topic by incorporating related language skills and topics such as describing physical appearance, discussing family traditions, talking about hobbies or interests, or exploring other topics related to personal relationships and communities.

Have your say about these ESL Family Activities

What are your thoughts about these family ESL games and activities? Did you try them out in your classes? Do you have a recommendation for an ESL family tree worksheet for kids or adults? Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you.

Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. It’ll help other busy teachers, like yourself find this useful teaching resource.

Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 20 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 100 books for English teachers and English learners, including Business English Vocabulary Builder , 67 ESL Conversation Topics ,and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults . She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

You can find her on social media at: YouTube Facebook Instagram

Top Selling ESL Activity Book

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Sentences structure games | fun sentence building activities for esl, animals that start with j | names, pictures, fun facts, esl review games & activities: ideas for english review in class, esl grammar activities, games, worksheets and online practice, about, contact, privacy policy.

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• Legacy Projects

12 Cheap, DIY Family Tree Ideas for Large Families

Updated 06/2/2022

Published 01/8/2020

Kate Wight, BA in English

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

With the rise of at-home DNA testing, people are becoming more interested in learning about their family history. A DNA test can tell you a little information about your ancestry, but one of the best ways to fill in the gaps is through a family tree .

Jump ahead to these sections:

Family tree ideas for kids or for a classroom, family tree ideas for a family reunion, family tree ideas to keep at home.

With both DNA and family stories, you can translate oral history into written history to preserve the unique story of your family. It’s especially important to fill out your family tree while the older generations are around to share the names of their older relatives.

You don’t want the names of those who came before you lost to time. Here are some clever ideas for family trees you can make on your own.

Family trees are a great way to let children know about previous generations but also help them learn more about their family’s experiences during key historical moments.

There are different levels of family trees you can put together depending on ages and grade levels. 

1. Construction paper apple tree

For kids in kindergarten through second grade, making a construction paper tree is a fun way to help them literally "piece together" their family. Spread out some different colored construction paper and help your child cut out apples and write the names of their immediate family members on it.

Then with your guidance, they can glue the apples onto the tree. Talking about family while helping your child place each family member on each "branch" can help foster both historical knowledge, creativity and also just some plain ol’ bonding time.

2. Make a large classroom family tree

Sometimes we end up with friends so close that they feel like family, and teaching children about these close bonds can be a great way to introduce "chosen families."

If you’re a teacher, make a big tree on the classroom wall or door. Ask the kids in your classroom to bring in a photograph of themselves, and have them mount it on a paper plate with their names on it.

By putting up the kids together on branches based on shared tables, lunch groups or anything, kids can learn more about the bonds of friendship. 

Change their placements on the tree throughout the year to help encourage new friendships as well. By showing the shifting nature of families, kids can not only look at this to remember the "friends that are like family," but also how families can change and grow over time.

3. Photo garden

Maybe it isn’t even about a tree, but creating something like a little family garden can help children discover all the people who love them. Help your child print out pictures of your children, you, their immediate family, pets, and even some close family friends.

Again like before, spread out pieces of different colored construction paper and cut out shapes of flowers and pots. Have your child affix a picture of themselves on a flower and place it in a pot.

Likewise, help them do the same for all other family members, and place them together in a paper garden. They can have one flower to represent each individual member of their family. 

If you’re a teacher helping children with this project, help them write their names on each of their flowerpots and tack them on the classroom wall. By displaying each garden, kids can see how every family looks different.

4. Family history journal

Developing a family tree is not just an arts and crafts project for children either. Kids between the ages of 12 through 19 can also create a family tree of their own to connect their family to historical moments and place their family members throughout different generations. 

Perhaps a good starting point would be to create a family history journal, where these kids can practice their reporter skills and interview family members about previous generations.

In the end, hopefully, each young person can sketch out a larger family tree with extensions or branches to each parent and other close relatives.

They can discover how their families immigrated and where they lived prior to moving to another country, on top of any military history or other important events as part of their own family history.

Family reunions can be a great time to delve deeper into your family history. Other family members like aunts and uncles can provide some fun or interesting context into how another person married into the family.

One of the more useful parts of creating or expanding a family tree during a reunion is that you’ll also be able to double-check basic details with all your family members. It’s kind of like a spin-off of the "family history journal," but with more hopefully raucous or touching anecdotes.

5. Thumbprint family trees

A really endearing way of documenting your family history can be through a thumbprint family tree.

If you are a decent sketch artist with knowledge of a few family generations, you can help sprout this idea. Getting some really nice paper with ample space will definitely help in this endeavor to help you bring this tree to life.

By contrast, if you don’t have a creative bone in your body, perhaps ask another family member to help draw a tree, print out a pre-made family tree pattern, or purchase a family tree book. 

Write the names of family members in the appropriate spaces, and leave blanks for others you might not know. Lay the tree out on a table with ink pads in various colors.

Have each family member find their name on the tree, press their thumb on the inkpad, and finally place their inky print by their name. With each thumbprint representing a colorful leaf on a tree, your family can see the full family history burst into life. 

6. Family tree quilt

Sometimes the warm feeling of history helps to bring families together. Or maybe everyone in your family just really likes to sew. Regardless, if you’re looking to make a nice keepsake for a family member, making a family tree quilt can really bring it up a notch.

Bring several swatches of colorful fabric to your family reunion cut out into the shapes of leaves. If you’ve got it, bring a quilt with you that already has a tree trunk stitched onto it. Otherwise, consider doing some extra work to either make a quilt with this pre-existing pattern or maybe find it online.

You can get the people in the family who sew to take turns stitching the leaves onto the existing tree trunk structure. There’s an old saying that goes “many hands make light work.”

You’ll get a quilt done in record time, and it will become a treasured heirloom for family members to enjoy. If you have an annual family reunion, make this a tradition. Each year, a new branch of the family tree can get their own quilt.  

7. Create a written family history

A visual representation of a family tree might not cut it for the history buffs in your brood. A small book about your family history could be the answer for all those who want to know more, or are looking for hidden information in the family tree. 

You can start by interviewing everyone at a family reunion. You can speak with aunts, uncles, distant cousins — anyone who can provide insight into where you came from. Bring a voice recorder so you can really listen and engage with people without worrying about taking notes.

This kind of project may be a multi-day endeavor, so maybe you can schedule both one-on-one interviews and also host group interviews. Sometimes one person’s stories can jog the memories of other people. 

After you’re done with the interviews, you can review the recordings and organize a written history by each generation or by every other decade, whatever helps to segment each stage.

Putting together a booklet like this could make an extremely touching gift for older family members who wish to revisit memories of their youth, or even for you.

8. Make a memory board for family members who have passed away

At a family reunion, conversations might turn to reminiscing about those who are no longer with you all. Inevitably, some nostalgia can run heavily through everyone’s minds on a particular date, so a way to capture some of this emotion could be through a memory board .

Family members can bring their favorite photos of their loved ones, and everyone can work together to paste pictures on a board showcasing all these pictures and connected memories. 

With the memory of a loved one fresh on your mind, creating this kind of memory board alongside your family can help everyone feel as though they are still around in some way. It can also help younger members of the family learn about other family members they didn’t know.

There is honestly no better place to showcase a family tree than at home. There are so many DIY projects that can help you incorporate family tree elements into your decor.

Here are some clever ways to bring this element into your interior design. 

9. Family tree decal

Wall decals have become a popular way to add character to your living space. They bring in a visual focal point without overwhelming the space.

In particular, wall decals can often be peeled off and reused. For this kind of project, you can get large tree-shaped wall decals on Etsy and at some home improvement or department stores.

Mount the decal on one wall and personalize it with photographs of your family. The photographs can be mounted on paper, or you can have them professionally framed with their names written underneath so you can remember each and every one.

10. Family tree shadow box

Adding a bit of gravitas and visual drama to a family tree can be fun, and can also change the visual metaphor of a family tree. Shadow boxes bring elements of portability and also more creative opportunities to weave a family story together.

With a large box and potential clear display on one side, you can incorporate actual twigs to fashion an actual three-dimensional tree. With leaves cut out of craft paper to add decor, you can nestle photos of your family members into the branches. In addition, if new babies are born into the family, you can open up the shadow box and add in new photos.

This one-of-a-kind display can follow you from house to house, and also follow the family through future generations.     

11. Family tree cross stitch

If you’re the crafty type, you can find several family tree cross stitch kits and patterns to create your own little cross-stitch. The kits and patterns can range from simple to incredibly detailed and complex.

Make one with all the family members you know, and then leave some empty spaces for future additions to the family. When it’s complete (or at least current and up to date), frame it and hang it on your wall.

Cross-stitches look great in homes with thrifted furniture, or in a rustic farmhouse. But beyond being cute decor, they have a lot of personal meaning. 

12. Three-dimensional family tree

As mentioned before, some family trees end up feeling a little flat. Bringing a family tree to life can be as easy as finding a beautiful little potted tree like a dogwood or birch.

Once you’ve selected your tree, you can make cute dangling ornaments featuring family photos and hang them from a small tree. You can also hang them from a small pine tree during the holiday season.

This helps you feel like your family is close by during the holidays no matter how far away they may be.  

Cheap and Fun DIY Family Tree Projects

Family trees are a wonderful way to preserve your family history. You can make it for yourself, or give it as a gift to a loved one. A handmade DIY family tree is a creative way to honor someone .

It’s also a great tool to educate yourself and your children on where they come from. A DIY family tree can help you remember a family member , or just learn more about where you come from.  

If you're looking for more family tradition or tree inspiration, read our guides on family reunion gift ideas,   family reunion activity ideas , and  family tradition ideas .

Categories:

• Genealogy & Family History

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How to Find, Create & Understand Your Family Tree

18 DIY Memory Tree Ideas, Themes & Tips

18 Fun Family Reunion Game + Shirt Ideas

Family History Month 2021: Date + How to Celebrate

• How to Use FamilySearch
• What's New at FamilySearch
• Temple and Family History
• Easy Activities
• Why Family History Matters
• Genealogy Records
• Research Tips
• Websites, Apps, and Tools
• RootsTech Blog
• Preserve Photos and Documents
• Record Your Story

Free Genealogy Websites to Elevate Your Research

If you search on the internet for “free genealogy websites,” you’ll get so many results that it could take weeks to review them all! In this article, we’ll share some fantastic free genealogy sites—sorted by categories—to save you time and make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for. We’ll also include some sites that offer free basic content and additional premium content for a fee.

Some of the sites we cover are available in multiple languages and are marked with 🌎. A 💲 indicates that the site also contains paid premium content. The tables at the end of this article list all the sites covered, their languages, and whether they include premium content.

There are other genealogy websites that aren't free but are inexpensive, and they offer valuable content and services for their customers. Let us know in the comments if you'd like to see a similar article focused on those sites.

Sites in this article are organized by the following categories:

Gateway Sites

Building family trees, printable family tree templates, photos and stories, historical record sites, genealogical and historical societies, fun and games, training and education.

In this article, gateway sites refer to sites that provide links to many other sites.

There are several options available to help you create your family tree.

Free Online Family Trees

Free online family trees with subscription option.

Several sites offer a free family tree and limited record searches with additional premium features:

Free Family Tree Desktop Apps

Family tree desktop apps are useful because you can create a private family tree on your computer, then synchronize it with a family history website. All the apps listed below support GEDCOM imports and exports.

Free Family Tree Desktop Apps with Paid Option

There's a free version of these programs as well as a paid one with additional features.

Printing a family tree template and filling it in by hand is a fun way to visualize your family tree! FamilySearch offers free templates you can download. You can also get templates at Family Tree Templates .

Gathering and viewing photos and stories of your ancestors can help you feel connected to them.

Storing and Browsing Memories

Many of the family tree sites and features previously listed have places to attach pictures and documents to your ancestors' profiles.

Finding Photos

Free photo websites may have historical photos of places where your ancestors lived. Be sure to check the licensing and copyright information for any photos before downloading them or uploading them to another site.

Free photo sites include the following:

• Google Images

Writing Stories

DNA can help you research your family lines and connect with other family members. DNA testing sites charge a fee for their services, and the FamilySearch page on DNA testing mentions some of the well-known options . Some DNA information sites offer free analysis of DNA test results.

DNA Information Sites

Online historical record sites have changed the way we do genealogy. It used to be necessary to scroll through microfilms to find records, or to write to a distant courthouse or government office requesting information. But now, billions of digital records are available at the click of a mouse, with more becoming available every day.

Newspapers are another source of valuable information for family historians. They may contain information isn't available in typical historical records. The sites below allow users to search digital copies of historical newspapers.

• Trove : This website provides free access to digitized newspaper collections from Australian libraries, universities, museums, galleries, and archives.
• Chronicling America : This collection of United States historic newspaper pages is a joint collaboration of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress and covers information from 1756 to 1963.
• FamilySearch Wiki Newspaper Page : This wiki page lists online newspaper collections.
• GenealogyBank : This collection of large and small US newspapers contains family notices (birth, marriage, anniversary, and death), along with obituaries, legal notices, and more. You may even find a story about your ancestor.
• The British Newspaper Archive : A combined effort with the British Library and Findmypast, this site contains millions of searchable digitized newspaper pages from the British Library.

Many public and university library websites have sections devoted to genealogy.

Genealogical and historical societies are a valuable and often underutilized resource. These societies usually focus on a specific geographical region. They may provide historical records that are difficult, if not impossible, to obtain elsewhere. In addition, they often provide research assistance.

To find a genealogical society of interest to you, you can search on the internet (for example, search for Netherlands Genealogy Societies ). Similarly, you can look at the FamilySearch Research Wiki or review the Societies and Groups page on Cyndi’s List.

Note: While some societies have free resources or help available, others may require membership or charge a fee for their services.

Fun and family history go together well, especially online! Here are some free sites with games and activities that will help you know your family better, both past and present.

There are free online classes, live or recorded, on almost every conceivable genealogy topic. You can start by checking some of the classes offered on these sites:

• FamilySearch Learning Center
• Salt Lake FamilySearch Library
• BYU Library Family History Center
• Cyndi’s List (free classes on this page have the word “FREE” by them)

RootsTech is an annual worldwide conference sponsored by FamilySearch. The largest conference of its kind, RootsTech offers a mix of in-person and virtual sessions, plus an extensive free on-demand library of past classes. There are free and paid options for attending in-person.

As mentioned above, The Family History Guide offers free self-guided learning on a variety of topics, such as general research, country-specific research, and using family history websites such as FamilySearch.org and Ancestry.com .

Go Ahead and Explore

As you can see, there are all kinds of valuable free resources online to help you with your genealogy. We hope you enjoy exploring these resources and wish you the best on your family history adventure!

List of Sites with Languages and Paid Options

Building Online Trees

DNA Information

At FamilySearch we care about connecting you with your family, and we provide fun discovery experiences and family history services for free. Why? Because we cherish families and believe that connecting generations can improve our lives now and forever. We are a nonprofit organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  To learn more about our beliefs, click here .

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Dollar Tree Decries Activist Investor's Call to Replace Board Dollar Tree Decries Activist Investor's Call to Replace Board

Discounter says Mantle Ridge LP has been 'unwarrantedly aggressive and hostile'. Chesapeake, Va.-based discounter says Mantle Ridge LP has offered "no ideas or plans to improve on our business or operations."

December 13, 2021

Dollar Tree on Dec. 12 publicly denounced activist investment firm Mantle Ridge LP’s effort to nominate a new slate of 11 directors to the discount retailer’s board at the company's 2022 annual meeting. That push includes a move to urge the Chesapeake, Va.-based discounter to hire Richard Dreiling, former CEO of Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based rival Dollar General Corp.

Dollar Tree, which last month announced it will bump prices to $1.25 for most products, refreshed its board in 2016. 

“Dollar Tree’s board of directors and management team maintain an ongoing dialogue with shareholders and welcome input about the company’s strategy and performance,” the company said. “We are, however, disappointed that Mantle Ridge has been unwilling to engage with us constructively and has instead chosen to proceed in such an unwarrantedly aggressive and hostile manner. Mantle Ridge’s overreach in seeking to replace our full board with its own hand-picked slate—despite having no ideas or plans to improve on our business or operations—is not justified nor would it be in the best interests of Dollar Tree shareholders.”

Dollar Tree said Mantle Ridge has expressed its support of the company’s multi-price strategy and applauded the company’s “steady resistance” to calls to dispose of or dismantle Family Dollar, which it agreed “would have been a grave error and enormously value destructive.”

Dollar Tree acquired Family Dollar in 2015 for approximately $9 billion.

Dollar Tree invited Mantle Ridge to present its ideas for business improvement to the Dollar Tree board, it said, but Mantle Ridge declined all invitations to meet with Dollar Tree unless with the entire board in person. The board met in person for several hours with Mantle Ridge founder Paul Hilal, Dreiling and three other Mantle Ridge representatives.

“At that meeting, despite repeated requests both in advance of and during the meeting, Mantle Ridge offered no new ideas for how to improve the company’s performance or operations. The only operational suggestion made—that the company should sell Dollar Tree merchandise at Family Dollar stores—is something Dollar Tree has already been doing for several years,” Dollar Tree said. Mantle Ridge expressed that it wanted the board to be replaced and Dreiling to be named executive chairman.

“These demands amounted to handing control of the company to Mr. Hilal and Mantle Ridge,” Dollar Tree said. “Most of Mantle Ridge’s hand-picked nominees are drawn from boards of companies at which Mantle Ridge is highly influential, if not in total control, hardly a model of good corporate governance.”

Dollar Tree offered to explore adding Dreiling to the board and possibly be engaged as a consultant, and also offered Mantle Ridge a role in the company’s ongoing board refreshment program.

Mantle Ridge did not respond before issuing its letter nominating its slate to replace the board.

“The company is on an increasingly strong performance trajectory, based on initiatives it has been pursuing. Dollar Tree remains focused on executing its strategy to drive growth and profitability, and the continued acceleration of its strategic initiatives, including the expanded rollout of its strategic store formats,” it said.

The retailer said that because of the success of its new Combo and Dollar Tree Plus store formats, it is adding new price points above $1 across all Dollar Tree Plus stores and will be rolling out $1.25 price point across the majority of its assortment in all legacy Dollar Tree stores by the end of its fiscal first-quarter 2022.

“The Dollar Tree Board stands ready to engage constructively with Mantle Ridge, even though it is disappointed that, rather than pursuing constructive engagement, Mantle Ridge has chosen to embark on an unwarranted and potentially disruptive proxy contest to replace the entire board. While the company would like to avoid an expensive and distracting proxy fight, the board does not believe that handing control of the company to Mr. Hilal and Mantle Ridge as it demands is in the best interests of Dollar Tree, its shareholders or other stakeholders.”

Click here to read Dollar Tree’s full letter to Mantle Ridge.

Chesapeake, Va.-based Dollar Tree operates more than 15,900 retail discount stores in 48 states and five Canadian provinces. Stores operate under the brands of Dollar Tree, Family Dollar and Dollar Tree Canada.

A version of this story originally appeared on CSPDailyNews.com .

About the Author

Greg Lindenberg

Digital Editor, CSP

Greg Lindenberg has been covering convenience-store news and writing about the c-store and gas station industries for more than a quarter of a century. He specializes in mergers-and-acquisitions (M&A) news.

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Your quick guide to L.A.’s first-ever ‘Climate Week’ and its city-wide festivities

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From hikes to sustainable cocktails to comedy shows, events addressing climate change are set to pop up around L.A. from Sept. 8 to Sept. 15 as part of the city’s inaugural Climate Week.

Inspired by New York’s Climate Week NYC (which has been described as “Burning Man for climate geeks”), organizers hope the mix of fun and flashy events with more serious policy-focused discussions will encourage Angelenos to get involved in climate action and connect them with leaders.

“The climate and sustainability spaces operate in echo chambers,” said JC Arce, co-executive director of the nonprofit organizing L.A. Climate Week, the Collidescope Foundation . “The real impact is reaching that broader audience.”

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Many of the big names in L.A.’s climate activism scene are on the speaker list, including vice and deputy mayors, a White House advisor and even musician Billie Eilish’s mom, Maggie Baird, who founded a nonprofit focused on food insecurity and climate change in 2020.

With more than 100 events spanning eight days, here’s everything to know about Los Angeles Climate Week 2024:

How to participate

At least 5,000 people are expected to attend the festivities across the city. All the events are open to the public, and most are free.

“We want to be able to reach as many people as possible,” said Samantha Lau, an ambassador for the nonprofit organization Plant Based Treaty , which is hosting nine events. “There is an event for everybody.”

Lau hopes the week will mobilize Angelenos. “You have nothing to lose by just checking us out,” she said. “All the events created are for the community, by the community.”

Registration for events is available through the L.A. Climate Week website .

What to expect

L.A. Climate Week wants to cut the fatalism that often surrounds the subject of climate change with fun and exciting experiences.

On Wednesday, a group of comics hosts a climate change-themed stand-up show.

Skylar King, who’s performing at the show, said she had a week of long conversations with her fellow performers on how to joke about climate change without desensitizing people to the seriousness of the topic.

“There were some reservations about how we could make this a space that talks about such a serious and depressing subject matter while also serving the purpose of it being a comedy show,” said King.

For some organizers, trying to find the fun side of climate change work is navigating in uncharted waters. Yet, for them, it’s essential work to fight burnout and restore hope among their peers.

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After Climate Week

Organizers want the impact of L.A. Climate Week to last more than a week. They’re aiming to build a coalition of climate-concerned people who, they hope, will inspire meaningful action.

New York’s version of the event has faced criticism for allowing companies to virtue-signal about sustainability.

L.A. Climate Week leadership is trying to draw a contrast. They plan to focus on building meaningful connections in local communities and with nonprofits and continue their work year-round.

“L.A. Climate Week is amazing, it’s exciting,” said Arce, “but there’s so much more work that we’re doing throughout this upcoming year.”

Notable events

Sunday, Sept. 8, from 5 to 10 p.m. in the Arts District: Opening ceremony with a green carpet, a trippy black-hole simulation and a vegan buffet ($50)

Monday, Sept. 9 at 5:30 p.m. in West Hollywood: Climate action town hall.

Monday, Sept. 9, at 6:30 p.m. in Santa Monica: Casual few-mile run along the beach

Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 6 p.m. in Highland Park: Presidential debate watch party

Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 6 p.m. in the Arts District: Sustainable fashion show

Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 7 and 9 p.m. in Hollywood: Laugh for the Planet comedy show, featuring Skylar King ($15 with two-drink minimum)

Thursday, Sept. 12, from 3 to 7 p.m. in Culver City: Climate art gallery

Thursday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. in East Hollywood: 5K climate run with free soft serve at the end

Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Arts District: Clean energy expo and sustainable business market

Saturday, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. in Santa Monica: Climate march for oceans

Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. in Santa Monica: Climate Jeopardy at Patagonia

Sunday, Sept. 15 at 12:30 pm. in Malibu: Tide pool exploration with Heal the Bay

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Noah Haggerty is an environment, health and science reporter at the Los Angeles Times. With a background in physics, he has conducted research on spacecraft propulsion, fusion energy and plasma — the stuff that makes up lightning and the sun. He joined The Times in 2024 as a AAAS Mass Media Fellow.

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What We Know About Kamala Harris’s $5 Trillion Tax Plan So Far

The vice president supports the tax increases proposed by the Biden White House, according to her campaign.

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By Andrew Duehren

Reporting from Washington

In a campaign otherwise light on policy specifics, Vice President Kamala Harris this week quietly rolled out her most detailed, far-ranging proposal yet: nearly $5 trillion in tax increases over a decade.

That’s how much more revenue the federal government would raise if it adopted a number of tax increases that President Biden proposed in the spring . Ms. Harris’s campaign said this week that she supported those tax hikes, which were thoroughly laid out in the most recent federal budget plan prepared by the Biden administration.

No one making less than $400,000 a year would see their taxes go up under the plan. Instead, Ms. Harris is seeking to significantly raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans and large corporations. Congress has previously rejected many of these tax ideas, even when Democrats controlled both chambers.

While tax policy is right now a subplot in a turbulent presidential campaign, it will be a primary policy issue in Washington next year. The next president will have to work with Congress to address the tax cuts Donald J. Trump signed into law in 2017. Many of those tax cuts expire after 2025, meaning millions of Americans will see their taxes go up if lawmakers don’t reach a deal next year.

Here’s an overview of what we now know — and still don’t know — about the Democratic nominee’s views on taxes.

Higher taxes on corporations

The most recent White House budget includes several proposals that would raise taxes on large corporations . Chief among them is raising the corporate tax rate to 28 percent from 21 percent, a step that the Treasury Department estimated could bring in $1.3 trillion in revenue over the next 10 years.

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News & Events

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• USDA Helps Producers Impacted by Hurricane Debby
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USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Colorado Farmers and Livestock Producers Impacted by Wildfires

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Recovery Assistance Available for Livestock, Feed, Forage, and Infrastructure Loss

TOPEKA, Kan., Sept. 6, 2024 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers across Colorado recover from recent wildfires. Producers impacted by these natural disasters should contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure and livestock losses and damages.

USDA Disaster Assistance for Wildfire Recovery

Producers who experience livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality or sell injured livestock at a reduced price may be eligible for the  Livestock Indemnity Program  (LIP). To participate in LIP, producers will have to provide acceptable documentation of death losses or evidence of reduced sales resulting from an eligible adverse weather event and must submit a notice of loss to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) no later than the annual program payment application date, which is 60 calendar days following the calendar year in which the loss occurred. The LIP payment application and notice of loss deadline is March 3, 2025, for 2024 calendar year losses. Livestock producers who experience losses related to wildfire should check with their local FSA office for LIP eligibility criteria.

Meanwhile, the  Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program  (ELAP) provides eligible producers with compensation for feed and grazing losses and transportation cost associated with transporting feed/forage to livestock and livestock to feed. For ELAP, producers are required to complete a notice of loss and a payment application to their local FSA office no later than Jan. 30, 2025, for 2024 calendar year losses.

Additionally, eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for cost-share assistance through the  Tree Assistance Program  (TAP) to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes or vines. TAP complements the  Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) or crop insurance coverage, which covers the crop but not the plants or trees in all cases. For TAP, a program application must be filed within 90 days of the disaster event or the date when the loss of the trees, bushes or vines is apparent.

“We understand that as you work to recover, you’ll be pulled in many directions, so when you’re able, please reach out to your local FSA county office to report losses and damages — the sooner we have the information, the sooner we can get county committee action on your requests for assistance and issue payments,” said Kent Peppler, State Executive Director for FSA in Colorado. “When you visit our offices, remember to bring loss documentation with you. Our staff will work with the documentation you have available including farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures or video of damages or losses.”

FSA also offers a variety of direct and guaranteed farm loans , including operating and emergency farm loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing. Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for low-interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses. Loans can help producers replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, cover family living expenses or refinance farm-related debts and other needs.

Additionally, FSA offers several loan servicing options available for borrowers who are unable to make scheduled payments on their farm loan programs debt to the agency because of reasons beyond their control.

The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) provides low-interest financing so producers can build, repair, replace, or upgrade facilities to store commodities. Loan terms vary from three to 12 years. Producers who incurred damage to or loss of their equipment or infrastructure funded by the FSFL program should contact their insurance agent and their local USDA Service Center. Producers in need of on-farm storage should also contact USDA.

Risk Management

Producers who have risk protection through  federal crop insurance  or FSA’s  Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) should report crop damage to their crop insurance agent or FSA office, respectively. If they have crop insurance, producers should provide a notice of loss to their agent within 72 hours of initial discovery of damage and follow up in writing within 15 days.

For NAP covered crops, a Notice of Loss (CCC-576)  form must be filed within 15 days of the loss becoming apparent, except for hand-harvested crops, which should be reported within 72 hours.

“Because there is always the possibility of losses from wildfires and other natural disasters, USDA offers crop insurance and risk management to help producers mitigate the financial impact of losses resulting from disaster events, like these, that are beyond their control,” said Collin Olsen, Director of RMA’s Regional Office that covers Colorado. “Our agents, loss adjusters, and Approved Insurance Providers are prepared to support you through the challenging disaster recovery process.”

Conservation

Outside of the primary nesting season, emergency and non-emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres may be authorized to provide relief to livestock producers in areas affected by a severe drought or similar natural disasters. Producers interested in haying or grazing of CRP acres should contact their county FSA office to determine eligibility.

FSA’s Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) can assist landowners with financial and technical assistance to remove debris from farmland such as woody material, sand, rock and materials from collapsed hoop houses/high tunnels on cropland or pastureland. Through the program, FSA can provide assistance toward the restoration or replacement of fences including livestock cross fences, boundary fences, cattle gates or wildlife exclusion fences on agricultural land. Farmers and ranchers should check with their local FSA office to find out about sign-up periods, which are set by the FSA County Committee.

Additionally, the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) can assist eligible owners of nonindustrial private forestland to also restore the land by removing debris, repairing forestland roads, and replacing fence. For both programs, farmers and ranchers should check with their local FSA office to find out about sign-up periods, which are set by the FSA County Committee.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is always available to provide technical assistance during the recovery process by assisting producers to plan and implement conservation practices on farms, ranches and working forests impacted by natural disasters. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) can help producers plan and implement conservation practices on land impacted by natural disasters.

“At USDA, we serve as a partner to help landowners with their resiliency and recovery efforts,” said Clint Evans, NRCS State Conservationist in Colorado. “Our staff will work one-on-one with landowners to make assessments of the damages and develop methods that focus on effective recovery of the land.”

Assistance for Communities

NRCS also administers the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program, which provides assistance to local government sponsors with the cost of addressing watershed impairments or hazards such as debris removal and streambank stabilization. The EWP Program is a recovery effort aimed at relieving imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, windstorms and other natural disasters. All projects must have an eligible project sponsor. NRCS may bear up to 75% of the eligible construction cost of emergency measures (90% within county-wide limited-resource areas as identified by the U.S. Census data). The remaining costs must come from local sources and can be in the form of cash or in-kind services.

EWP is designed for installation of recovery measures to safeguard life and property as a result of a natural disaster. Threats that the EWP Program addresses are termed watershed impairments. These include, but are not limited to:

• Debris-clogged waterways.
• Unstable streambanks.
• Severe erosion jeopardizing public infrastructure.
• Wind-borne debris removal.

Eligible sponsors include cities, counties, towns or any federally recognized Native American tribe or tribal organizations. Sponsors must be able to provide the local construction share, obtain permits and site access and agree to perform operations and maintenance of the constructed projects. Willing sponsors must submit a formal request (by mail or email) to the state conservationist for assistance within 60 days of the natural disaster occurrence or 60 days from the date when access to the sites become available. For more information, potential sponsors should  contact their local NRCS office .

In addition to EWP, Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) is another valuable service that NRCS can provide following a wildfire. NRCS technical assistance can help fire victims with planning cost-effective post fire restoration practices.

More Information

Additional USDA disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov , including USDA resources specifically for producers impacted by wildfire. Those resources include the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool , Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet , Loan Assistance Tool ,  and  Natural Disasters and Crop Insurance fact sheet . Additionally, FarmRaise offers an FSA educational hub with LIP and ELAP decision tools as well as farm loan resource videos. For FSA and NRCS programs, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center . For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent .

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit  usda.gov .

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Risk Management Agency:

220 NW Lyman Rd #8729 Topeka, KS 66608 Collin Olsen, Director

FPAC Press Desk [email protected]