This friendly interview activity helps children connect with a relative and capture family stories. It’s quick to set up, encourages listening and confidence, and creates a keepsake to look back on together.
Materials
- Notebook or a few sheets of paper
- Pencil or pen
- Optional: family photo album for prompts
Tools
- Phone or tablet with a voice recorder (optional)
- Timer or clock (optional)
Steps
- Choose a family member to interview (in person, by phone, or on a video call) and agree on a short time window.
- Help the child brainstorm 5–10 simple questions and write them down. Examples: “What games did you love as a kid?”, “What was your favourite place to visit?”, “Who taught you something important?”, “What makes you laugh?”
- Set up a comfy, quiet spot. Start the timer if using one. Press record if you’re capturing audio (optional).
- Begin with a warm-up (“Please say your name and how we’re related”), then ask the first question clearly and wait for the full answer.
- Encourage follow-ups like “Why?”, “How did that feel?”, or “Can you tell me more about that?” Write a couple of key words or make a quick sketch as notes.
- If energy dips, swap roles for one question so the adult asks the child something fun (“What’s your favourite thing to play right now?”).
- Finish by saying thank you. If appropriate, take a small photo together or draw a quick portrait to stick next to the notes.
- Turn the notes into a keepsake: a one-page “Family News” report, a decorated interview card, or a short audio clip to share with the family.
Variations
- Three-Question Mini Chat: Keep it super short with just three favourite questions.
- Photo Prompt Interview: Pick a photo from an album and ask questions about the people and place in the picture.
- Call a Relative: Do the interview by phone or video with a grandparent, aunt, or cousin who lives far away.
- Role Reversal: Let the family member interview the child for one or two questions.
- Story Recorder: Record audio (with permission) and add a simple title like “Grandad’s School Days”.
- Recipe Memories: Ask about a favourite family food and note down any tips or stories linked to it.
- Object Stories: Choose a meaningful object at home (a medal, toy, or souvenir) and build questions around it.
Why It’s Great
- Listening skills – Practises focusing on another person’s words and ideas.
- Confidence – Builds speaking, turn-taking, and polite conversation habits.
- Family connection – Captures memories and strengthens relationships across generations.
- Literacy – Encourages planning questions, note-taking, and summarising.
- Easy keepsakes – Creates a simple page or audio clip to treasure and share.
Safety Tips
- Ask permission before recording anyone. Delete or keep private if asked.
- Avoid sharing personal details (addresses, passwords, full names online) without an adult’s approval.
- Keep the conversation kind and allow anyone to skip a question they don’t want to answer.
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