Magnetic Family Christmas Tree

It has been awhile since I last posted an idea for a hands-on family tree activity, so this week I created a new one that also incorporates the holiday season. The Magnetic Family Christmas Tree allows children to piece together their family tree like a puzzle, using family photos, magnets, and a pre-made tree template. 

For this activity, you will need:
Small individual photos of family members
Magnetic surface
Color printer OR yellow, green and brown construction paper
Magnetic tape
Magnetic buttons
Glue
Laminator (optional)

First, you must create the tree shapes (four green rectangles, brown rectangle and star). I have created templates you can simply print and cut out. If you prefer, you can also use yellow, green and brown construction paper to cut out similar shapes on your own. (Click on either image below to download the two-page template file.)

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After cutting out these shapes, I laminated each one for extra durability, but this is certainly not necessary. I placed magnetic tape on the back of each shape. Magnetic tape can be found at most craft or big box stores and, for this project, I recommend using the thinnest kind, which comes in a tape roll like this:

Roll of Magnetic Tape

Next, I printed out (and laminated) small headshot photos of my child, her parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. This time, I glued thicker and stronger magnetic buttons on the back of each photo. *Magnets can be very harmful if swallowed, so please supervise children who may still put things into their mouths.*

Family Photo with Magnetic Button on Back

And that's it! Now, just locate a metal surface on which the child can arrange the pieces. You can use a refrigerator door, or, my personal favorite for magnet play - a large cookie sheet! The first time I showed my six-year-old daughter, I mixed up all the pieces (see photo) and asked her to help me put them in the right places. She is still a beginning reader, so I had to tell her what the words on the rectangles were, but once she knew that, she did great on her own until we got to the great-grandparent level.  (Click on photos for larger view.)

Magnetic Tree Jumble

Completed Magnetic Tree

I helped her with the great-grandparent section and we talked about which great-grandparents were the parents of each grandparent. And soon, we had a finished tree!

This would be a great activity to do when visiting with extended family over the holidays, or it would even make a great handmade gift for the children in your family.

©2016 Emily Kowalski Shroeder

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