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Who makes up your family?
Is it just the people you live with? Nope. You are part of other families. You are part of your grandparents' families, and you are part of their parents' families.
Go back in history, and you will find even more parts of these families.
 You can see how you are related to all of these families by looking at a "family tree." A family tree is like a map. It shows how people are related to one another. It includes names, and sometimes ages, pictures and even stories about the people on the tree.
A simple tree would show your mom and dad, with an arrow pointing to you. But most family trees are larger.
It's important to learn about our family because we get many things from them. Our looks. Our laughs. Even our savings habits and shopping style can come be handed down from our family.
The more you learn about your family, the more you'll have to create your own family tree. Here are some easy ways to get items for your family tree:
- Look through old family photos. Ask your parents to tell you about the people in them.
| How common is your family name? |
- Ask the meaning of your last name. Has the spelling changed over the years?
- Find out who the first person in your family was to come to America.
- See if someone has a history of your family.
- Ask your parents and grandparents about all the family members they remember.
Once you know about your family you can create your own family tree. You can use this form to help you get started.
Once you get the hang of it, make your own family tree.
In general, start with the oldest person you know. Draw a line from that person to the next oldest person. Continue this until everyone you know is listed.
You now have a family tree. You can leave it like that or can keep going.
 Decide on a design. If your family likes sports, make a sports design.
If all of the girls in the family are named Rose, make a rose design.
Is someone in your family famous? Design a family tree around that person.
By Christopher Green
Fill in the blanks below, then click the 'Show Me My Family Tree' link below to see your Family Tree!
My name:
My mother's name:
My mother's mother:
My mother's father:
My mother's brothers and sisters (if any):
[ separate names by a comma and a space ]
My father's name:
My father's mother:
My father's father:
My father's brothers and sisters (if any):
[ separate names by a comma and a space ]
My own brothers and sisters (if any):
[ separate names by a comma and a space ]
Show Me My Family Tree
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