Telling Totem Poles

Day 1:
Students will color a map of the different Native American Groupings. 
You will discuss the basic information related to each grouping.
Begin going over powerpoint. 
Students will take notes of differences in cultures. 

Day 2:
Students will continue to take notes.
You will ask students "what is one of the main cultural aspects of the Pacific Northwest?"
Wait until they say Totem poles. 
Ask what are totem poles?
Why are they important?
Have students brainstorm ideas.

Day three:
Play introduction video
Ask students to explain why totem poles were important? 
What did they show?
Have students read the "ReadWorks article"

Day 4:
Students will begin to create their own totem pole.
They will have to show how their totem pole represents them and their culture. Allow students to look at examples of totem poles. 
*Document attached to show different animal meanings

Day 5:
Students will continue to work on their totem pole. Use markers, construction paper, etc.

Day 6:
Students will write a paragraph explaining the "history" behind their totem pole. Ex.) why did they choose a certain animal? How are they shown through the totem pole? How is their family culture shown through the totem pole?

Day 7-8
Students will present their work to the class.

Day 9:
The teacher will connect all of the totem pole parts. Together, you will explain how the totem pole represents your class. It shows each individual piece; however, it represents a whole. Compare and contrast your totem poles and the meaning to the Pacific Northwest grouping. 

Grade the totem pole and presentation