How much do you know about your heritage? Regardless of your answer to that question, there's always more to learn. Across the U.S., October is recognized as family history month. Take advantage of distance learning's flexibility and work with your family to learn more about your ancestry throughout the next month. Whether you do small scale lessons or ambitious, multi-generational projects, tracking your family's history is an exciting form of education that is unique for each individual. Here are some ideas to help you begin.
–Start with what you know. Create a record of your ancestry dating as far back as you're able. Use a pedigree chart and place your information in the spaces on the far left. Generation by generation, work your way right, filling in the pedigree with help from your parents.
–Interview a grandparent. Call grandma or grandpa to set up an afternoon chat. Seek out details that will help you further your pedigree and ask for their insight into historical events that took place before you were born. Ask permission to record audio or video of the conversation and transform it into a family keepsake using a free online video editing program.
–Organize a family reunion. Even if the gathering doesn't take place until the holidays, start planning now and invite as many relatives as you can. Ask that each person bring a photo of themselves and a brief autobiography that you can use to create a family tree. Combining the photos and biographies with the video of grandma and grandpa could make a great Christmas present for relatives in years to come.
–Study your roots. Once you have an understanding of where your family comes from, watch a documentary and conduct research to learn more about the countries where your ancestors lived. Incorporate math by planning the budget for a trip to one of those countries. If you have the resources and the time, take the trip sometime within the next year and experience the culture firsthand.