Today the "norm" is the blended family. Membership in a blended family
can be an enriching experience. I would not avoid assigning a family
tree project for fourth graders because of possible problems, but would
instead approach it with awareness. One specific suggestion: avoid
using printed family tree charts or "fan" charts which don't easily make
allowance for divorces and second marriages, and instead do a free
form chart with lines and boxes.
David W. Palmquist
NYS Museum
3096 Cultural Education Center
Albany NY 12230
518-473-3131
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