Creating Totem Poles

Potlaches? Totem Poles? Creation myths? Here's a great way to conclude a study of Native American beliefs and cultures. Speaking as the tribe storyteller, individuals develop a creation myth for their tribe that includes four animal...

Students, after reading Chapter One in the book, "What the Land Means to Americans," research from a variety of resources Tlingit totem poles. After their extensive research, they create a totem pole to present to their peers to...

Third graders should enjoy these fabulous lessons on Totem Poles created by Native Americans of the Northwest. Learners investigate what totems are, the meaning of their symbols and figures, and how they were made by the Native...

Young scholars create totem poles based on a Native American story. In this Native American traditions lesson plan, students read a story about Native Americans and create totem poles to represent themselves. 

Students research Native American totems and refer to visuals to inspire their own versions of totem animals. They make a striking, 3-dimensional totem pole. Students report to their friends and family why they chose the animals and what...

Students, after researching the history of totem poles, express their team spirit and unique personal style by creating a replica of a traditional totem pole as a get-to-know-you project. They incorporate a teams commonalities and...

Students study and view pictures of Native American totem poles on the internet. They create totem poles using PowerPoint that represent their family histories using symbols to designate historic events.

Young scholars gain a greater understanding of Native Americans and why they build totem poles. They listen to a story and then create a similar story of their own.

Students create a totem pole in the vain of those made by tribes of British Columbia and Alaska.

Fifth graders create mini totem poles using paper towel tubes and Crayola Model Magic clay. They explore totem poles of Northwest Coast Indian tribes.