Trace your family tree
Create a simple family tree chart by interviewing relatives, organizing names and dates, and drawing connections to learn about family history.
Step-by-step guide to trace your family tree
Family tree for kids project/How to make your own simple family tree/How to draw family tree/DIY Fam
Step 1
Decide which family members to include starting with yourself then your parents then your grandparents.
Step 2
Put your paper and pencil on a table.
Step 3
Draw a small circle at the bottom center of the paper.
Step 4
Write your name inside that circle.
Step 5
Draw one circle above for each parent leaving space between them.
Step 6
Write each parent's name and birth year inside their circle.
Step 7
Draw circles above each parent for each grandparent.
Step 8
Write each grandparent's name and birth year inside their circle.
Step 9
Draw straight lines connecting each child circle to their parent circles to show relationships.
Step 10
Write three simple interview questions on a sticky note to ask relatives.
Step 11
Call or visit a relative to ask one of your questions.
Step 12
Write the relative's answer on a sticky note.
Step 13
Attach that sticky note next to the relative's name on your chart.
Step 14
Add small photos or draw faces next to people to help remember them.
Step 15
Share a photo of your finished family tree chart on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have sticky notes, printed photos, or a pencil?
If you don't have sticky notes, cut small squares of paper and tape them next to each relative's circle to write interview answers, use a pen, crayon, or marker instead of a pencil, and attach phone screenshots or hand-drawn faces where printed photos are missing.
What should we do if the circles get crowded or we can't reach a relative to ask questions?
If circles overlap when you 'draw one circle above for each parent' or for grandparents, switch to a larger sheet or tape extra paper above and sketch lightly first, and if you can't 'call or visit a relative' ask a parent for help or write 'unknown' on a sticky note until you can confirm details.
How can we adapt the activity for different ages?
For younger children, have them 'draw small faces' and only write first names inside circles while older kids can record full names and birth years, add locations, write the three interview questions and answers on sticky notes, and scan the chart to 'share a photo of your finished family tree chart on DIY.org'.
How can we extend or personalize our finished family tree?
To personalize and extend the project, color-code maternal and paternal lines when you 'draw straight lines connecting each child circle to their parent circles,' add short family stories on sticky notes next to each name, decorate with stickers or small photos, and photograph the finished chart to share on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to trace your family tree
3D Family tree School Project/How to make your own simple family tree/How to draw family tree/DIY
4 Videos
3D Family tree School Project/How to make your own simple family tree/How to draw family tree/DIY
How to Make Family Tree Chart Easily | Simple Steps by Steps Guide
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Facts about family history and genealogy
🌳 A family tree is also called a pedigree or kinship chart — the branches help you see who connects to who.
🗂️ Genealogy sites and archives contain tens of billions of records — a huge treasure chest of names and dates to explore.
👂 Oral history is gold: asking grandparents and relatives often reveals stories and dates not found in written records.
🕰️ Some family trees can be traced back hundreds or even thousands of years, especially in royal or well-documented families.
🧬 You inherit about 50% of your DNA from each parent, so your genes are a scientific family story!
How do I help my child trace our family tree step by step?
What materials do I need to trace a family tree with my child?
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