Now it is fall (?!?!? already?) some of you may have an opportunity to teach a Family History class in your ward. The following article from the Area Adviser newsletter for the SLC area contains some helpful information.
Particularly note the following:
- Lessons should be adapted to meet the needs of class members.
- If I were asked to teach the classes I would add some computer related content – which would increase the total number of lessons – such as how to index, how to use FamilySearch.org
- The short address (url) for consultant training is https://www.familysearch.org/consultant/
- The FH Companion from BYU (#6 below) looks like an interesting resource
With the Internet in most ward and stake buildings, a family history class can be more effectivelly taught. This can be during Sunday School time or at another time convenient to class members. The class is under the direction of the Bishop, (not the Sunday School president.) Consultants should work with their High Priest Group Leader who, with the bishop, will make arrangements for the class. A teacher can be a consultant or another qualified person. A teacher does not need to be an experienced genealogist. An effective teacher is one who can relate to those who are just beginning their family history experience. The lessons should be adapted to meet the needs of class members.
There are plenty of helps available for lesson material, eight of which are listed here. They are found under https://www.familysearch.org/consultant/training/ (except for #6 – the BYU website) Sign in and choose from the lists:
(1) Member’s Guide to Temple and Family History Work – the “student manual.” It consists of 7 chapters (or lessons) for a beginner-level course. It is available free at Distribution Services, and can be viewed, printed, or downloaded on line by clicking on the above consultant/training web site.
(2) Instructor’s Guide to Temple and Family History Work – It also has 7 lessons that corresponds with the chapters in the Member’s Guide. In addition there is an Appendix containing three workshops. There is also an accompanying DVD that contains 13 short video segments about temple and family history work. It is also available for at Distribution Services for $5.00, or the manual and videos can be accessed by clicking on the above consultant/training web site.
(3) Family History Consultant’s Guide to Temple and Family History Work – This publication is available only online by clicking on the above consultant/training web site. It describes in detail your role as a family history consultant, and more. . . .
(4) Temple and Family History Course Materials - Shown in chart form, you are able to use the above two Guides, including videos and lesson materials for each of the 7 lessons. It is also available by clicking on the above consultant/training web site.
(5) Principles for Successful Family History Classes – This excellent video presentation demonstrates how one ward in Bountiful adapted the lessons to meet the needs of the class members. They found that “Learn by doing” brought them success! This can also be viewed from the same above consultant/training web site, or just click here to access the video presentation.
(6) Family History Companion – from BYU. If you need supplemental materials to accompany the above 7 lessons, click on http://familyhistory.byu.edu/companion/. Each lesson has additional resources, additional insight, suggested additional assignments and handouts.
(7) 5-minute Genealogy – Several episodes available now, with a total of 24 by end of this year. It is found in many different locations, but can be accessed through the above consultant/training web site.
(8) New FamilySearch Practice System - This system contains fictitious names, dates and localities. Here you can learn how to add, edit, combine and submit names for temple ordinances without the fear of making mistakes with real data. (Some of you may know this as “Sandbox.”) This is also located at the above consultant/training web site.
(9) See other available helps by clicking on the above consultant/training web site.
Thank you to the Area Advisers in SLC for this article
