Master your Family Tree Research

We really hope you enjoy watching the videos and working through the handouts.

QUICK LINKS


Recordings

Session 1:

Discussion group 1:

 

Session 2:

 

 

Discussion group 2:

 

 

Session 3:

 

Discussion group 3:

The worksheets for the 3 sessions are now available below, using the password provided.

Brick Wall Worksheet: As you rewatch the recordings you will notice that Sophie refers to 'Your Brick Wall' and asks you to reflect on it. We recommend that you download the Brick Wall Worksheet below and have it to hand when rewatching the recordings.

Download Brick Wall Worksheet

Weekly Worksheets: The worksheets labelled Week 1, Week 2 and Week 3 each contain activities and tips covered in the webinars.

Download Week 1 Worksheet

Download Week 2 Worksheet

Download Week 3 Worksheet

Continuation notes: we have allowed some space on the Worksheets for notes, but do of course keep as extensive notes as you wish, using additional blank pages of your own devising and cross-referencing to the Worksheets.

Research logs article (published April 2024) by Dr Sophie Kay: Sophie would also like everyone on this course to have the opportunity to read her article on research log - which you may download here.


Handouts

In addition to the worksheets, mentioned above, Sophie has also provided weekly handouts.

Download Handout Week 1

Download Handout Week 2

Download Handout Week 3


Research Log templates

Sophie has created a selection of research log templates. Some are provided to you in Word and Excel versions, so you can choose/experiment to find your preferred format.

The Traditionalist in PDF - for printing out and filling in by hand

Basic Log Pure Word - for Word users who prefer a text-based solution (ie without tables)

Basic Log Table in Word - for Word users (with tables)

Basic Log in Excel 

DNA Sleuth in Word

DNA Sleuth in Excel

Confident SNACKer Master in Word

Confident SNACKer Master in Excel

Confident SNACKer Surname Sheet in Word

Confident SNACKer Surname Sheet in Excel


Research Plan templates

Download the Master Research Plan in Word

Download the Master Research Plan in pdf

If you have any queries, or need your password resupplying, please email [email protected]


To keep in touch

Family Tree is very pleased to be running further courses and webinars with Dr Sophie Kay in 2026. To keep in the loop, if you have not already done so, please sign up for our free enewsletters:

Dr Sophie Kay free enewsletter

Family Tree free enewsletter


Dr Sophie Kay's Workbook

Dr Sophie Kay's Family History Research Skills Workbook is for use with Sophie's Research Skills Studio course, but it can also be read and used as an independent research guide.

Sophie's Research Skills Studio course will next run April 2026. A digital version of the workbook is included in the course, but if you would like to buy a print edition, it is available (£20 / £12 Family Tree Plus members or Family Tree subscribers, plus shipping) here.