The thing that interests me most about family history is the gap between the things we think we know about our families and the realities. – Jeremy Hardy
3 Quality Places for Free Genealogy Printables for Kids
I find it fascinating how families come together. One of my own ancestors was on the Mayflower, some fought in the war for Independence between the US and Britain, and another (not so far back) was of full Mohawk descent.
Way back in the olden days, families grew up in proximity to extended relatives. Aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins lived next door, down the road, or even in the same house. Children learned about ancestors from stories and discussions.
Families Have Changed
The modern family has changed and spread out. Children today often only see their cousins once a year at a reunion. Sometimes years go by without seeing each other. Families are spread across the country, or the world, and unless you make an effort, children will never get to know their extended families or the stories of their ancestors.
Children today often do not know their first cousins, let alone ancestors from several generations ago. I believe if we will have strong families, we must know and appreciate where we came from and learn from their mistakes, and triumphs.
Why Study Genealogy?
This is where the study of genealogy comes in. Genealogy can be very complex, and the information about many generations can be confusing. That doesn't mean that genealogy can't be fun for kids. It just means that the family history project must be designed for the correct ages of the children who are involved.
Family tree templates are a great way to introduce younger generations to the joys of genealogy and a way that different generations of the family connect to one another.
Free Genealogy Printables
I found three great (and free) genealogy templates for kids to get started with the generations in their family.
1. Family Tree Kids
I loved this site because it includes a lot of unusual forms like a 5 generation Ancestor Chart, a Biographical Outline, and a Cemetery Transcription Form. Many more are available. The entire site is dedicated to kids genealogy searches.
2. Family Tree Templates.net
This site has an extensive variety (27) of templates, and if you want to use them, they are free to download. They only cost money if you want to edit them.
3. Template.net
Template.net has some adorable family tree templates that include family photos.
Bonus – Family Tree Templates on Pinterest
This page on Pinterest has over 1000 template ideas. Lots of step by step projects.
There are many more printables available online if you search. There is also software available. Some of it is easy to use, but I didn't find any specifically created for children.
Another great genealogy tool is the SHOTBOX table top photo box. You can lay documents, photos, 3D objects or even scrapbook pages in it, and using just a mobile phone camera can get great shots and scans to keep with your genealogy file. I wrote about why every family needs a SHOTBOX here. Check it out, and save $20 with the code SOCIAL20.
Using these free genealogy printables, templates and tools is a great way to get kids involved and interested in their family history. It is also fun and may just become a life-long hobby.