Jennifer Holik, author of the Branching Out series of genealogy lesson manuals, has now produced Engaging the Next Generation: A Guide for Genealogy Societies and Libraries. In this new book Holik sets out to help societies, clubs, organizations, and libraries create a youth program for ‘the next generation’ of genealogists.
Part I of the book looks at organizing one-hour programs and for all aged students, and a half-day programs for older children: 4th grade and up. The guide helps groups determine a goal for the class they hope to offer, along with consideration for what the attendees should take away from the program. Since engaging children requires creativity, there are examples of ways to grab attention and actively involve the children in the class. The half-day programs are covered in two groups: 4th to 8th grade and a high school program.
Part II of the book provides societies a jumping off point by providing thirty lesson straight out of the Branching Out series. In fact, it is a copy of the 30 lessons from the 4th to 8th grade guides.
This guide can also be used by parents, schools, and churches looking to create a program to teach genealogy to children.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
How to Use this Book
Why and How to Engage the Next Generation
Part I
One-Hour Workshops for 1st – 3rd Grade Students
- Example Outline
- Workshop Preparation
- Example Speaking Notes
- Additional Project Ideas
One-Hour Workshops for 4th – 8th Grade Students
- Example Outline
- Workshop Preparation
- Example Speaking Notes
- Additional Project Ideas
One-Hour Workshops for High School Students
- Example Outline
- Workshop Preparation
- Example Speaking Notes
Half-Day Workshops for 4th – 8th Grade Students
- Example Outline
- Workshop Preparation
- Example Speaking Notes
Half-Day Workshops for High School Students
- Example Outline
- Workshop Preparation
- Example Speaking Notes
Part II Branching Out: Genealogy for 4th – 8th Grade Students
Items Needed
- Required Books
- Additional Resources
Lesson 1: What is Genealogy and Why Should I Care?
Lesson 2: Where Do I Start? What Do I Need?
Optional Projects
Lesson 3: Genealogy Databases
Lesson 4: The Family Group Sheet
Review Lessons 1 to 4
Lesson 5: Interviewing
Lesson 6: Write a Story
Lesson 7: Evaluate the Information
Lesson 8: Home Sources
Lesson 9: Hidden Sources
Lesson 10: Primary Sources and Citations
Lesson 11: Secondary Sources
Lesson 12: Evidence, Fact and Proof
Lesson 13: Vital Records
Lesson 14: Census Records
Lesson 15: Start a Diary
Review: Lessons 13 to 15
Lesson 16: Health and the Mysteries of Death
Lesson 17: Occupations
Lesson 18: Probate Records
Lesson 19: Land Records and Maps
Lesson 20: Military Records
Lesson21: Religious and Cemetery Records
Lesson 22: Immigration
Lesson 23: Naturalization Records
Lesson 24: Newspapers
Lesson 25: Research Plans and Logs
Example Research Plan
Example Research Log
Lesson 26: Timelines
Lesson 27: Examine it Once, Twice, and Again
Lesson 28: Travel
Lesson 29: Organizing Paper and Digital Files
Lesson 30: Putting it all Together
Get a copy of Engaging the Next Generation: A Guide for Genealogy Societies and Libraries from Family Roots Publishing; Price: $29.35.
Holik’s Branching Out guides include: