1.5 – Portfolio and Project 1: Family Tree (13 min video)

FAMILY CREST:

Students will create a family tree, write a family history, and craft a family crest following the basic symbolisms and rules of heraldry.

First, students must research their family history and create a family tree containing the names of at least four generations (parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents) on both sides of the family. Besides the names of family members, students must include to the best of their ability: birth and death dates, places of residence, vocation, and other children. Family trees should be done on high-quality paper with practiced penmanship yet in any medium the student wishes (framed, presentation board, scroll, book, etc.).

Second, students are to interview at least two family members (preferably elder family members from different sides of the family) in order to obtain basic information, character traits, and anecdotes about as many direct members on the family tree as possible. A family history will then be written discussing the family’s past, characteristics, and anecdotal stories.

Third, students will reproduce an existing family crest (from any family name held by one of their four grandparents) or create an original family crest. For original crests, students will use the symbols of heraldry to represent their family’s history and character. For example, if the family is known for unity and invulnerability to attack, the student may wish to use a gyron ordinary (see Symbolisms of Heraldry in the Teacher’s Guide) with a tortoise.

All existing crests and original crests must be a Complete Achievement (see the Teacher’s Guide).

Each existing or original crest must then be made according to a material or medium of the student’s choice. For example, students may craft their crest by painting, drawing, wood-burning, carving, sculpting, sewing, metal work, paper craft, etc. Whatever the medium, these crests should be of a
high, display-worthy quality.

Finally, students will write and label a separate section of their family history naming and defining each element of their crest, including the motto.

Projects will be graded upon a variety of elements including the following of directions, quality and thoroughness of research, use of anecdotes in the family history, penmanship and craftsmanship on the family tree, and excellence in the completion of the crest.

This project should be completed before the end of Lesson 13, which concludes the first semester.