Lesson Plan 4: Everyone Has a Story

In some Indigenous cultures totem poles are used as a cultural symbol. They have different purposes and stories to tell. This lesson aims to foster respect and appreciation for Indigenous culture as well as invite students to recognize their own story and how they can creatively showcase it.

Grade level: 3-5

Prep time: 10 min

Lesson Duration: 35 min

Learning Outcomes:

It is expected that students will:

• Learn what each totem signifies.
• Gain appreciation for Indigenous cultures and their traditions.
• Create unique totem poles, incorporating symbols that represent important aspects of their lives.
• Embrace their own personal story and understand how it's valuable.

Lesson includes:

• Activate, Acquire, and Apply Activities
• Totem Pole Images (Printable)
• Totem Pole Reference Guide (Printable)
• Animal Symbols Sheet (Printable)
• My Totem Pole (Printable) 
  

Materials required (not included)

• Art supplies like scissors, glue and markers
• Paper to draw on
• Brown cardstock or paper towel rolls
• Technology to watch videos 
  

NB: Purchase includes access to downloadable resources for 6 months