You will need:

• Tag board or other large construction paper
• Markers or crayons

In Advance: Introduce the topic of extended family by talking about relatives or close family friends. What does your child do with their relatives (friends)? Do you visit relatives? Do you gather for certain holidays/ celebrations?
 
Activity:

1. Make a list of family members on a large chart with your child. Use as many extended family members as possible-uncles, aunts, cousins, etc. Mention that some families have special names for family members and that is something that makes each family unique.
 
2. Explain to your child that he/she is going to create his/her own family(or friend) tree.

3. On a piece of tag board have your child line his/her elbows up with the bottom of the paper. Ask him/her to put his/her arms side by side and lay fingers out flat. Trace from the elbows (trunk) up and around the fingers (branches). This will be your child's tree.
 
4. Invite your child to draw pictures of his/her extended family or friends  above and around the branches. Help your child label the names of family members/friends.

5. Display the tree on a wall or bulletin board for your family to appreciate.

ACTIVITY EXTENSION:
Play a family guessing game by giving clues about family members and having your child guess to whom you are referring. (Examples: Who has an older brother?  This person is a boat captain and lives in Florida. Who has a collection of model cars?) This can bring a lot of laughter, and increase children's awareness of their larger family.