Family Tree: Portraits + Names + Generations

Toddlers learn through action + language.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

- Large sheets of plain paper

- Child safe paint (brown, green, or any colour for the tree trunk)

- Paintbrushes

- Small paint sponges for leaves

- Palette or paper plates for paint

- Wet wipes or washcloths for cleanup

- Photos of family members (sent in by families beforehand)

- Child safe glue sticks

- Smocks or aprons

Learning Objectives

- Children will be able to identify and point to their own photo and the photos of familiar family members.

- Children will use paint and sponges to create "leaves" for their family tree.

- Children will begin to understand the concept of a family tree as a representation of their family.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather children and sit in a circle. Introduce the concept of a family tree as a special way to show who is in their family, like branches on a tree.

2. Show each child their photo and ask them to point to themselves, if they can. Then, show them photos of their family members and ask if they know who it is.

3. Explain that today, they will help make a family tree for their home. Lay out the large paper and paint.

4. Guide children to paint a tree trunk and branches on the paper with brushes. Encourage them to talk about their family members as they paint.

5. Offer the paint sponges and different colours for children to dab on "leaves" for their tree.

6. Once the paint is dry, help children glue their family photos onto the tree.

7. Talk about each person on the tree as you glue their photo, strengthening their understanding of who is part of their family.

8. Display the completed family trees in the classroom or encourage children to take them home to share with their families.

Educator Tip

Keep the focus on the happy connections within families. When attaching photos, prompt children by asking questions like, "Who is this?" or "Can you show me Grandma?" For children who are hesitant with paint, offer them the option of sticking pre-cut paper shapes onto the tree as leaves. Ensure all photos are securely attached and in a safe place away from very young children who might put them in their mouths.

Assessment

Observe children’s engagement in the painting and gluing process. Note their ability to point to their own photo and their responses when asked about other family members' photos. Look for any verbalizations about their family members during the activity.

Educator tip

Use choice questions; keep groups small.

Assessment

Observe and note: emerging independence, two-word combinations, imitation of actions, and early pretend play. Use Development Matters non-statutory guidance checkpoints. Observe participation, labelling.

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