Family Tree: Portraits + Names + Generations

Level 1 focuses on concrete, hands-on learning building identity and belonging.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Family Tree: Portraits + Names + Generations

Materials

Large sheets of brown butcher paper

Picture frames (cardboard cutouts or actual empty frames) in various sizes

Age appropriate drawing materials (crayons, chunky markers, washable paint)

Glue sticks

Child safe scissors

Preprinted or hand-drawn branches for the family tree

Small slips of paper or cardstock for names

Pictures of children's family members (sent from home)

Smocks or old t shirts for painting

Learning Objectives

Children will be able to identify and name at least one family member.

Children will participate in creating a visual representation of their family.

Children will begin to understand the concept of different generations within a family.

Children will practise fine motor skills through drawing, cutting, and gluing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather the children and discuss what a family is. Talk about different people who might be in a family, like parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins living in different homes.

2. Introduce the idea of a family tree. Explain that it's like a drawing that shows how everyone in a family is connected, just like branches on a tree.

3. Have children choose a picture of themselves to place at the bottom of their family tree. Talk about who is in their picture.

4. Provide children with drawing materials and allow them to draw pictures of other family members. Remind them to think about who lives in their home. You can have pre-printed pictures from home for those who may not want to draw, or for additional family members.

5. Help children cut out or tear their drawings and pictures of family members. Then, assist them in gluing their family members onto the preprinted branches of the tree.

6. Together, write the names of the family members on the slips of paper. Older children can attempt to trace their name. Older children can try to write their family members' names.

7. Glue the names next to the corresponding pictures on the tree. Talk about the different names and who they belong to.

8. Display the family trees where children can see them, encouraging them to point out their family members and share stories about their home and family.

Educator Tip

To make this activity more inclusive, ensure you have a variety of representation options available. If a child doesn't have traditional photos, they can draw "family" members or even cherished pets. For those who struggle with fine motor skills, pre-cut shapes or assistance with gluing can be provided. Encourage children to share what makes their family special for them, fostering a sense of belonging and celebrating diverse family structures, which may extend beyond immediate household members.

Assessment

Observe children's engagement in the activity and their ability to identify and name at least one family member. Note their participation in drawing and gluing. Collect the finished family trees as a visual artifact of their understanding of family representation and their fine motor skill development. You can also have them verbally share who is on their tree at the end.

Educator tip

Pre-cut pieces; include diverse family structures.

Assessment

Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Teacher checklist: engagement, attempt at portrait.

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