Lesson Plan 4: Your Own Storywork

Some Indigenous cultures use totem poles as a cultural symbol to remember and reflect. Each totem pole tells its own story and has a specific purpose. In this lesson, students will foster respect and appreciation for Indigenous culture, as well as learn about owning their story and how to express it with confidence in their unique voice.

Grade level: 6-8

Prep time: 10 min

Lesson Duration: 50 min

Learning Outcomes:

It is expected that students will:

• Learn what different totem pole types signify.
• Gain appreciation for Indigenous cultures and their traditions.
• Create unique totem poles, incorporating symbols that represent important aspects of their lives.

• Own their story and share it wisely within identified safe sharing spaces.

Lesson Includes:

• Activate, Acquire, and Apply Activities
• Totem Pole Decoding (Printable)
• Symbols Guide (Printable)
• My Future Totem Pole (Printable)

Materials Required (not included)

• Art Supplies (pencil crayons and markers)
• Technology to watch videos 

NB: Purchase includes access to downloadable resources for 6 months