PARENT-CHILD PROJECT:
Writing a Family Biography
Every family has a wealth of stories — some happy, some sad, some thrilling.
And kids can learn important lessons as they research the history of your family.The next time your family is together, encourage your child to become the family
biographer. Get a tape recorder with plenty of blank tapes. Then have your child
practice using the tape recorder. He might say, “This is Damon Wilson. I am
interviewing Mary Wilson, my dad’s mother, about her childhood.”The best interviews take place when the person being questioned has a chance
to get ready. Help your child think of some questions for the interview. Write them
out and send them to his interview subject.Here are some questions that may get your child started:
Where did you live as a child?
Describe the house in which you grew up.____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
What did you like to do as a child?
What games or toys did you like best?____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
What was school like for you?
What did you like best about school? Least?____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Who was your best friend?
What did you do together?____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Is there a family story you would
like us to always remember?____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
At the end of the interview, be sure your child thanks the person for taking time to speak
with him. Have him write up the story and present a copy to his interview subject.