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Children's Books and Family History: The Fourteenth Goldfish

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One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to see their grandparents as people rather than simply Grandma and Grandpa. It can be difficult for children to imagine that their grandparents were once their age. Yet understanding their stories can help children feel more connected to their family and the generations that came before them. This is one of the reasons I chose to spotlight The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm, a middle-grade novel that balances humor and heart while inviting children to consider what their grandparents might have been like as teenagers. The story follows Ellie, whose life is turned upside down when a teenage boy appears at her door claiming to be her grandfather. After discovering a way to reverse aging, Ellie's grandfather suddenly finds himself young again. As the two embark on a series of adventures, Ellie begins to see her grandfather in a completely new light. No longer just Grandpa, he becomes a curious, determined, and...
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Family History Research: Meet Matilda Grant - Part One

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One of my favorite things about family history research is following clues that lead to new discoveries. Recently, FamilySearch suggested that my fourth-great-grandmother, Matilda Grant, may have remarried after the death of her husband. At first glance, it seemed like a simple research hint. However, as I began reviewing the records attached to her profile, I realized this mystery might hold the key to uncovering both her parents and her death information. Missing Information Matilda Grant's profile on FamilySearch does not include a death date, and she is not currently connected to any parents. What We Know Matilda Grant was born about 1811 in Wigston Magna, Leicestershire, England. Because she was born before civil registration began in 1837, her birth information must be reconstructed using other records such as parish registers and census records. Matilda married Thomas Wilford on 9 December 1829 at Wigston Magna Parish, Leicestershire. Because this marriage occurred before ci...
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Children's Books and Family History: A Summer's Day (Memory Prompt Monday)

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Sometimes the memories we cherish most are not the big vacations or special events, but rather the ordinary days that made up our childhood. The days that seemed unremarkable at the time—or even a little boring—often become the memories we hold closest to our hearts. For me, a typical summer day consisted of watching cartoons, riding my bike around the neighborhood, and bravely stepping into the freezing-cold paddling pool. One summer, I made sure to wake up before my siblings so I could put my favorite movie into the VCR without hearing any objections. I loved playing corner with my siblings. It was a simple game of throwing a ball toward the opposite curb and hoping it would hit just right and bounce back to you. Bonus points if you could catch it. I am sure my mum heard plenty of "I'm bored" throughout those long summer days, but now I would give almost anything to relive just one more summer day. That longing to return is what inspired today's memory prompt and ac...
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Come Follow Me & Family History: 1 Samuel 8-10; 13; 15-16

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"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."    (1 Samuel 16:7) I learned the truth of this principle while working at an after-school program. Each afternoon, children from the local elementary school would come to our program while their parents finished work. Together we completed homework, made crafts, played outside, and on Fridays we watched movies and ate popcorn. Before the start of a new school year, my boss informed me that I would be assigned to Juniper Elementary. This school had a reputation because of one particular student who was constantly getting into trouble. My coworkers hated working there, but my boss assured me that if we documented every infraction and followed the proper procedures, we would eventually be able to remove him from the program. So that is exactly w...
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25 Summertime Prompts and Dinnertime Conversations Starters

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 Summer has a way of slowing us down just enough to make room for conversations. Whether it is around the dinner table, on a family road trip, sitting around a campfire, or enjoying a popsicle on the porch, summer creates opportunities to share stories and make memories together. One of the simplest ways to preserve family history is to start talking. Every family has stories worth sharing, and often all it takes is a thoughtful question to bring those stories to the surface. A memory about a childhood summer, a favorite family tradition, or a funny vacation mishap can quickly turn into a meaningful conversation that helps family members learn more about one another. To help get those conversations started, I have created a collection of summer memory prompts, conversation starters, and kid-friendly questions. Use them as journal prompts, dinner table discussions, road trip entertainment, or simply as a way to learn more about the people you love. Remember, family history is not ju...
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Five Reasons Why Children's Books Are the Perfect Introduction to Family History

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One of the questions I hear most often from parents, particularly mothers, is, "How do I help my children become interested in family history?" I understand the challenge. Family history can feel overwhelming, even for adults. We know the value of records, census documents, and research, but these things are not always meaningful to children. Most children are not eager to spend an afternoon examining records or discussing where an ancestor lived one hundred years ago. What children crave is connection. They want stories. They want to know what their grandparents were like as children, how their parents met, why they were given their name, and what adventures their ancestors experienced. They want to understand where they fit within their family's story. This is why I believe children's books are one of the most effective ways to introduce family history. Stories provide an accessible and engaging entry point into conversations about identity, heritage, memories, t...
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Children's Books and Family History: Six Children's Books that Celebrate the Joy of Summertime!

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Summer has a way of creating memories that stay with us long after the season has ended. Whether it is chasing down the ice cream truck, spending time with grandparents, splashing in a lake, building sandcastles at the beach, or enjoying long days with family and friends, summer is often filled with the moments we remember most. These simple experiences become part of our story and, when shared, become part of our family history. The following children's books celebrate the joy of summertime through adventure, family traditions, nature, and memory-making. They remind us that some of life's most meaningful moments are often found in the ordinary days of summer. Each book also includes a simple family history activity to help preserve the stories and memories that make this season so special. click on the book title to purchase the book through my affiliate link. To print the book list and activity page simply click on the image. When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling In When Lol...
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