Genealogy: Putting It All Together!

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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Step 1: Choose Your Final Format

Before putting anything together, decide what you’re actually creating. This is the foundation of your project.

Your family history can take many forms.

• A book or story – tells a narrative about your family or one person.

• A scrapbook or album – combines photos, captions, and memorabilia.

• A slideshow or video – uses images, text, and possibly voice narration.

• A timeline or wall display – shows events in order.

• A recipe book – mixes family recipes with stories and memories.

Each format shares the same goal: to turn information into something meaningful and easy to understand.

Choose a format that fits.

• The materials already collected (photos, stories, documents)

• Personal strengths (writing, design, speaking, organizing)

• The time available to complete the project

Step 2: Focus Your Story (Don’t Try to Tell Everything)

Trying to include every single detail is the fastest way to create a confusing project.

Instead, narrow the focus. Strong family history projects often:

• Follow one person’s life.

• Focus on one branch of the family.

• Highlight a specific time period or event.

• Trace one line of ancestry.

A clear focus makes your project easier to follow—and much more interesting.

Example:

Instead of listing every ancestor, tell the story of one grandparent’s childhood or a family’s move to a new place.

Step 3: Turn Facts Into a Story

Names and dates matter—but they don’t hold attention on their own.

To make your project engaging, treat your family members like characters in a story.

• What challenges did they face?

• What important decisions did they make?

• What was life like during their time?

Adding context—like historical events, daily life, or traditions—helps bring your research to life.

Step 4: Use Photos, Documents, and Real Evidence

Strong projects don’t just tell—they show.

Include:

• Photos

• Letters or documents

• Maps or timelines

• Captions explaining what each item shows

These details make your work more believable and more interesting to look at.

If photos are limited, add:

• Drawings or recreated images

• Descriptions of important places or events

Step 5: Be Selective (Yes, You’re the Editor)

Not everything belongs in the final project.

Choose the most meaningful and interesting pieces.

• Important events

• Memorable stories

• Strong visuals

Too much information can overwhelm your audience. The best projects feel clear and focused—not crowded.

Step 6: Organize It So It Makes Sense

A great project is easy to follow from beginning to end.

The most common (and easiest) structure is:

Chronological order (time order): Start with the earliest event and move forward.

This helps your audience understand how events connect and how your family’s story unfolds over time.

Step 7: Double-Check Your Facts

Before sharing your work, make sure it’s accurate.

• Confirm information using more than one source.

• Compare notes with family members.

• Look for records like birth certificates or census data.

Accuracy matters—you’re telling a real story.

Step 8: Make It Something People Want to Explore

The goal isn’t just to finish—it’s to create something people will enjoy.

Strong projects:

• Are easy to read or view.

• Include visuals and stories.

• Feel personal and meaningful.

Even something simple can be powerful when it’s clear and thoughtful.

Ready to Put It All Together?

Now that the process is clear—choosing a format, focusing your story, organizing your information, and presenting it in a meaningful way—it’s time to start applying these skills.

Next, practice organizing and evaluating your information so your final project is accurate, clear, and ready to share.