For the next generations

[marie]

An acquaintance of mine has managed to interest his grandchildren in the genealogy he has been researching.
He made family tree charts for himself and his ancestors and also his wife, printed them on 11x17(tabloid) paper, back to back and laminated them. They are used as placemats when the grandchildren visit as well as giving sets to be used in their homes. Sitting around the table, they provide a topic for conversation and grandpa is there to expand the information.
To make them more interesting he took a standard ancestor chart and put it into a graphic program where he colorcoded the lines and twisted them in and out between pictures of people, events, family homes, crests, etc.
He also inserted 2 or 3 sentence blocks with stories about the different individuals. He put in enough detail that it looks rather like a 'find waldo' picture. But seemingly that intrigues the grandchildren and makes it more of a game.
I know I've had good results with producing a simple ancestor chart that has been personalized to an individual. So I'm looking forward to trying out this concept. Hook them early

[grangers14]

Thats a great idea, hope you manage it.
I've heard and seen people doing quilts with the tree on.
Dont think it will help my kids to be interested For a Christmas pressy I asked fora file to keep more notes in. They obliged, very kindly. But on the front it says
"Screw Loose"
Jo