Pipe Cleaner Family Tree

Need a quick, easy, and inexpensive activity for the kids this summer? How about one that also involves family history? The pipe cleaner family tree is one of the quickest family tree projects I've ever put together with my children and it is so simple that even the youngest genealogist can help put it together.

You will need:
*12-inch pipe cleaners (some craft stores now call them chenille stems), preferably in two colors
*White electrical tape
*Scissors
*Pen or marker

Designate one color for males and the other color for females. Simply twist two pipe cleaners together at the bottom to make couples. Then, take the appropriate color for the next male or female direct descendant and wrap that around the couple's twist at the bottom.

All of this twisting is a great way for kids to practice their fine motor skills. My daughter really enjoyed doing it. We did four generations (up to great-grandparents), but if you have enough pipe cleaners, you could easily add more generations.

Next, we cut off pieces of white electrical tape and wrapped one around each pipe cleaner. These became the "name tags." On the front of each piece of tape, I wrote relationship words like, Mom, Grandpa, and Great-Grandma. Then, on the back, I wrote that individual's first and last names (maiden names for the women). As you are labeling these individuals, this is a great time to also pull out old photos and/or talk a little more in-depth about who these people are/were and maybe share some of your favorite memories of them with your child.

I hope that everyone enjoys this activity and continues to have a safe and happy summer! Remember that you can find all Growing Little Leaves crafts and activities at this link.

©2016 Emily Kowalski Schroeder

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