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Classroom Practice/Program

• middle/high school level: genealogy, lineage, ancestor/ancestry, generation,
archive, inherit/inheritance, chart, document/documentation, source, census,
origin, immigration, naturalization.
Length of a unit or lesson depends on a variety of factors. Obviously,
time available is paramount, which is why integration with other subjects
will be useful. Shorter lessons for younger students can generate interest
without becoming boring. Part of genealogy is overcoming what are
called “brick walls”—what appear to be impassible problems with finding
information. Then it is time to take a break but not quit. Sometimes time
is needed to digest and assimilate what has already been learned.

A Caution
No matter which approach to genealogy is used, students of any age or
grade may raise questions or make comments that could be considered outside
the sphere of the content the teacher intends to present. It is important to keep
focus. Different religions and cultures have varying opinions regarding what
constitutes a family group. Respond to the comment or question in as age-
appropriate and concise a manner as possible and then move on, returning to
the topic at hand. Avoid expressing your own personal opinions and morals.
Recognize and acknowledge that the goal is respect for all circumstances.
Throughout any genealogy lesson or unit, respect for others should
permeate. Whether this is respect for what a student learns about his or her
own family or what other students share during discussion, consideration,
good listening, appreciation, recognition of effort, and acceptance of
differences should be in the forefront. Remind students of this parameter. Do
not assume a reminder given one day will automatically carry over to the
next. Whether presenting a unit or individual lessons, begin discussions with
a respect reminder. It is better to provide positive suggestions at the start of
any discussion than to have to correct inappropriate behavior after it occurs.
Remind students to listen courteously, refrain from making inappropriate or
unkind comments, and share factors they may have found to have in common.
Before Beginning

When considering student activities in genealogy, it is useful to do some
personal preparation. Have you studied your own genealogy? Age is not a barrier
to beginning investigation; genealogy can be studied at any age. If you have
not done any work on your own genealogy, now is the time to begin. You will
have many of the same experiences that your students face. How your handle
your experiences will provide useful background for guiding your students.
A few “given” factors about delving into genealogy include the following:
• It will not always be easy. There will be frustration causing roadblocks.
• Information may not always be readily available—or available at all.
• Friends and family members may not like or even approve of your
investigations.
• You may find out information that does not please you or is embarrassing.
• You may find information that contradicts your known thoughts as well as your
memories.

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