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π― Instructional Goal:
π― Instructional Goal:
I will discuss how totem poles tell stories about family, culture, and values.
(by analyzing symbols, discussing their meanings, and creating their own totem poles.)
π Vocabulary Words:
π Vocabulary Words:
Totem Pole β A tall carved wooden pole that tells stories using animals, symbols, and people.
Symbol β A picture, animal, or object that stands for something else.
Ancestor β A family member from long ago.
Tradition β A custom or belief passed down through generations.
β Essential Questions:
β Essential Questions:
How do totem poles tell stories about people, families, and cultures?
What can the symbols on a totem pole teach us about values and identity?
π Reading and Comprehension Questions:
π Reading and Comprehension Questions:
What Are Totem Poles?
What Are Totem Poles?
Totem poles are tall wooden carvings made by some Native American groups from the Pacific Northwest Coast.
These poles are carved from cedar trees and can be as tall as 60 feet. They are painted with bright colors and shaped into animals, people, and spirits that are important to the tribe.
Totem poles are not used for worship. Instead, they are like storytellers. They share the history of a family, clan, or important event.Β
Some poles show the familyβs ancestors. Others may show a battle, a marriage, or a legend passed down through generations.
There are different types of totem poles. Some are welcome poles, placed near the water to greet visitors. Others are shame poles, which call out someone who did something wrong. Some are memorial poles, which honor someone who has died.Β
Each figure carved into the pole has a special meaning, like the eagle for power or the bear for strength.
Creating a totem pole takes a lot of skill and teamwork. A special artist called a carver or totem maker leads the work, but the whole community helps.Β
When a pole is finished, the tribe holds a potlatch, a celebration with dancing, food, and gifts.
Totem poles are a way for Native people to remember their past and show pride in who they are.
π Comprehension Questions:
π Comprehension Questions:
What is a totem pole?
What are three different purposes of totem poles?
Why are animals like the eagle and bear carved into totem poles?
Who is responsible for making a totem pole and who helps them?
What is a potlatch and why is it important to the community?
π Reflection / Discussion Questions
π Reflection / Discussion Questions
Why do you think telling stories through symbols and carvings is powerful?
Image Analysis
Group Discussion
Each figure carved into a totem pole tells part of a story or represents a family, ancestor, animal spirit, or lesson.
Figures are placed in order from bottom to top and can include real animals, mythical creatures, or human figures.
Each symbol often represents qualities like strength, wisdom, protection, or leadership.
A student designed this Totem Pole about their family in the Pacific Northwest.
Why do you think the eagle is placed at the top of the totem pole?
What might it represent?
What might the mother and grandmother figures be trying to tell us about family or tradition?
3. Why do you think the fish is included in this totem pole?
What could it symbolize?
4. What story or emotion might the sad figure at the bottom be expressing?
Why do you think itβs placed last?
Create Your Story
Create Your Totem Pole
πͺΆ Totem Pole Project: Tell Your Story Through Symbols
βοΈ Your Task:
Create your own totem pole with 4β6 figures that represent a story about you, your family, or your values.
Your totem pole should include:
At least one human figure
(this could be you or a family member).At least two symbols or animals that represent something important (like strength, kindness, protection, or fun).
π¨ Step-by-Step Instructions:
Plan Your Totem Pole:
Think of a story you want to tell. It can be about your life, your family, or lessons youβve learned.
Choose 4 to 6 symbols, people, or animals that help tell your story.
Write a short note about what each one means to you.
Draw Your Totem Pole:
Use a full sheet of paper.
Stack your figures from bottom to top, just like a real totem pole.
Use color and detail to bring your figures to life.
Explain Your Story:
On a separate page, write 2β4 sentences for each figure explaining what it is and why you chose it.
Example: βThe wolf at the bottom stands for loyalty. It reminds me of how close my family is.β
π£οΈ Sharing:
You may be asked to present your totem pole to the class or hang it up on the wall to share your story visually.
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