Lesson Plan #: AELP-INT0143

Totem Pole

An Educator's Reference Desk Lesson Plan

Submitted by: Eric Tantlinger
Email: estst6@pitt.edu
School/University/Affiliation: University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

Date: September 14, 1999

Grade Level(s): 3, 4, 5

Subject(s):

Duration: One 45- minute session

Description: Native American rituals

Goals: Integration: History, Sociology, anthropology, Geography

Objectives:   As a result of this unit, the students will be able to:

  1. explain the place of Totem Poles in Native American Culture
  2. cut and glue appropriate animal shapes to correspond with story
  3. produce Totem Poles to represent a story
Materials: construction paper

Procedure:

A. Anticipatory Set:

Prior Knowledge: Graphic Organizer ( Semantic Web) on Native Americans
Content related to lives: Totem Poles are like family trees to us, by using animal figures. They are also a way of recording legends. They had no formal language so they are like our books. (Show pictures of authentic Totem Poles from books)
Children are then told what today's lesson will be: Today's lesson will be to construct your own story or family crest in a Totem Pole. When finished you will share your story and Totem Pole with the class.

B. Continuation of Lesson:

Pass out copies of animal descriptions:

Bear = symbol of strength;
Beaver = symbol of wealth and gives "medicine power";
Frogs = bring good fortune;
Raven = guardian spirit;
Salmon = symbol of wealth, fertility, immortality;
Snake = brings power of magic;
Thunderbird = chief of all guardian spirits, causes thunder and lightning;
Whale = bad spirit who brings destruction;
Wolf = helpful spirit who also brings skill in weaving and woodcraft.
Show a previously made model of a Totem Pole
Tell students they will make own Totem Pole
Group into 4 or 5, have students design and sketch Totem Poles on scratch paper using symbols that will tell a story.
Have each group collect and assemble the materials they will need from a central supply table.
Coordinate as students cut the needed animal shapes from construction paper and cut out features such as eyes, teeth, claws, etc., form contrasting colors for more dramatic effect.
Have students glue animals to cardboard tubes to create a Totem Pole that tells their story.

C. Closure:

Let students share their Totem Poles and tell their stories.
Display Totem Poles on a flat surface where they can be freestanding as an ongoing exhibit.

Assessment:

Authentic Tasks - making of a Totem Pole and story
Writing project - writing a story
Observation of cooperative group work, i.e., fair sharing of work, enjoying helping other classmates
Anecdotal records
Observe brainstorming techniques for storyline
Ask questions, i.e. why pick a certain animal for a certain character in the story
Portfolios - save some samples of work, i.e. Totem Poles and stories