Here is a nicely designed lesson on ancestry and family history. In it, learners read an article entitled, "Where Were Your Ancestors in 1871?" Then, they make up a series of questions to profile their family and their community 100...

Students create and perform Corridos which are oral tradition ballads. In this Passing Down Family History Through Oral Tradition lesson plan, students interview family members using a predetermined list of questions. In addition,...

What is an oral history interview? What goes into the planning and what should be said? Why is it important that we know and learn from oral history? This is an excellent worksheet to support your young historians as they conduct...

First graders identify heroes by researching their family history. For this personal heritage lesson, 1st graders define the term "hero" and the characteristics that represent it. Students research family resources and family trees in...

Would you stand up for your beliefs, no matter the cost? Scholars investigate their own families to uncover examples of how and when someone stood up for their ideals. Using video clips, interviews, and eulogies, they come to understand...

Students explore world geography by participating in a family history project. In this U.S.S.R. lesson, students read assigned text regarding the Stalinist era of Russia and the intolerance that thrived there. Students answer a list of...

Students explore genealogy by reading a family history book in class. In this family tree activity, students read the story Me and My Family Tree by Joan Sweeney and discuss their own family history. Students identify what the term...

Here is a two-part instructional activity that introduces learners to genealogy by having them create family trees, and map the movements of their ancestors. While this resource is designed for kids who live in Arkansas, it certainly can...

Students investigate their own family history by creating an in class project and presentation.  In this genealogy lesson, students research their family history using resources from their homes as well as the internet....

Here is a beautiful set of lessons on family and community. These charming, engaging, and meaningful lessons would be of benefit for any Pre-K through 2nd grade learners. The lessons are jam-packed with terrific in-class, and at-home...

Young scholars explore diversity and race by creating art. In this ethnic background lesson plan, students discuss their family history, where their relatives lived and how it affects their life today. Young scholars create pieces of a...

Students identify the stereotypes they are faced with on a daily basis. In groups, they use this information to identify the ways stereotypes are portrayed in movies and television. They use a video camera to record oral histories of...

Learners develop questions to ask their famiy members to discover their family history. Individually, they conduct the interview and videotape if possible. To end the lesson, they draw a picture of the person they interviewed to...

Fifth graders learn about hereditary traits and family trees. In this heredity lesson, 5th graders act out a family tree skit and complete a 'trait summary' worksheet. Students then complete the 'Paint's Family Tree' worksheet. Students...

Help learners discover more about their backgrounds. This family history activity includes links to sites about heraldry and family names. Begin by sharing your family history with the class and then allow students to do some internet...

Why did Vietnam POWs and their families receive more media attention than POWs in previous wars?  To answer this question, class members view artifacts, read articles, and engage in class discussion. Individuals then assume the...

Fourth graders examine the history of the tortilla and extend the study across the curriculum. In this history of the tortilla lesson, 4th graders research the background of the tortilla, determine the ingredients, and work with the...

Students explore slavery by reviewing the written laws intended to keep African Americans subservient. In this U.S. slavery lesson, students analyze a time-line of the history of African Americans. Students discuss the patterns of the...

Youngsters are assigned the task of interviewing a family member or a neighbor and asking them about any genetic disorders that are present in their family history. They pretend that they are about to have a baby that is carrying a...

Ninth graders explore family roots and immigration.  For this Ethics lesson, 9th graders research their family history by interviewing their parents.  Students create a visual presentation to tell their story to the class. 

Students brainstorm a list of things they already know about the history of Fairfax County, Virginia. After reading a primary source document, they discuss the similarities and differences between their prior knowledge and what they...

Learning how to compare and contrast is a core skill. Learners compare two music selections that showcase a specific heritage. They draw and discuss how each song and the composers of each song used their personal heritage as...

First graders study concepts of time and chronological history. In this early childhood history lesson plan, 1st graders create and interpret a timeline listing historical events and family celebrations using one calendar year.

Students explore society by researching the history of matrimony. In this marriage and family lesson, students identify the religious aspect behind marriage and the ideology associated with creating a family. Students define religious...