M Family Totem Pole! - Joella C. Good

[Pages:7]My Family Totem Pole!

Totem poles are collections of symbols that represent important events, stories, or relationships in the history of families in Native American tribes. A totem pole tells a story about the tribe family or their ancestors through symbols.

1. You will construct a simple paper totem pole.

Select symbols to represent events or ideas that are important to your family history and create a totem pole combining those symbols.

Native American totem poles often used animals to symbolize a virtue or idea.

On the back of this sheet, you will find some commonly used symbols and the Native American meanings.

You may use these or others you find in books or on the internet. You may also make up symbols of your own. Be sure that your symbols look like the kind that you would find on a Native American totem pole.

2. Using complete sentences explain the meaning of your totem pole on the attached sheet. You will also present and explain your totem pole to the class.

This project is due: ____________________________

Materials ? cardboard tube (from paper towel roll) ? construction paper ? glue stick or school glue ? pencil ? scissors ? markers

Instructions

? Use a sheet of brown construction paper to cover the cardboard tube. (An alternative is to color the tube with a brown crayon.)

? Think about virtues, events or ideas that are important to your family.

Pick four to represent on your totem pole.

? Cut shapes out of construction paper for the animals. (It helps to draw the shapes in pencil first, and then cut out around the pencil lines.) Larger shapes can be used for animal bodies, while smaller shapes can be used for the eyes, beaks, wing decorations, etc.

? Glue the parts together and allow the glue to dry. ? Stack the animals on the cardboard tube and glue them in place. On totem poles, the largest

animal is usually on the bottom. ? Then, using complete sentences, describe the meaning of each piece of your totem pole and

why it represents your family.

This will be graded and will also help you to present your totem pole to the class.

S Some Totem Pole ymbols

A grading rubric is included in this packet.

Be sure that you look at it BEFORE you start.

It will help you to earn the grade you want!

I can't wait to learn more about your family!

J

BEAVER

Creative, Artistic and Determined

BEAR

Strength, Learned Humility, Motherhood, Teaching

BUMBLEBEE Honesty, Pure Thinking -- Willingness and Drive

COPPER

Wealth and Prestige

DOGFISH

Persistence and Strength -- A Born Leader

DOVE

Love, Gentleness and Kindness

DRAGON FLY Ever--changing Life

EAGLE

Great Strength, Leadership and Prestige

EAGLE FEATHER

Good Luck to Both Giver and Receiver

FROG

Spring & New Life -- Communicator, Stability

HALIBUT

Life protector, Strength and Stability

HAWK

Strength Far Sighted

HERON

Patience, Graceful and Easy Going

HUMMINGBIRD Love, Beauty, Intelligence, Spirit Messenger

KILLER WHALE Traveler & Guardian -- Symbol of Good

KINGFISHER Luck, Patience, Speed and Agility

LOON

Peace, Tranquility -- Generous Giving Nature

MOON

Protector and Guardian of the Earth by Night

OTTER

Trusting, Inquisitive and Bright -- Loyal Friendship

OWL

Wisdom

RAVEN

Creation & Knowledge -- Bringer of the Light

SALMON

Dependability and Renewal -- A Provider

SEAL

Bright, Inquisitive, Organized

SUN

Healing Energy, Guardian of

the Earth by Day

THUNDERBIRD Powerful & Mystical -- A Leader

WOLF

Intelligence & Leadership -- Strong Sense of Family

Name:

___________________________________

Number:

_____________

Totem Pole Project Grading Rubric

Written Explanation

Excellent 4 points

Good 3 points

Complete sentences, explains each of the four sections very clearly. Has only 1-2 spelling or grammar errors.

Complete sentences. Explains each of the four sections clearly. . Has only 3-4 spelling or grammar errors.

Fair 2 points

Incomplete sentences, explains some but not all of the sections clearly. Has 5-7 spelling or grammar errors.

Below 5th grade standards 1 pt Incomplete sentences, explains some but not all of the sections clearly. Has 8 or more spelling or grammar errors.

Oral Presentation

Student is well prepared. Presents the information clearly without reading word for word. Student can answer questions about the work.

Student is prepared. Presents the information clearly but reads word for word. Student can answer questions about the work.

Student is somewhat prepared. Presents the information reading word for word and has difficulty answering questions about the work.

Student is not at all prepared. Presents the information reading word for word and cannot answer questions about the work.

Totem Pole Construction

Totem pole is constructed according to all directions, 4 symbols are appropriate to Native American art.

Totem pole is constructed according to most directions, 4 symbols are consistent with Native American art

Totem pole is constructed according to some directions and/or less than 4 symbols or symbols are not consistent with Native American art

Did not follow most directions, less than 4 symbols or symbols that are symbols are not consistent with Native American art

Neatness and effort

Turned in on time, very neatly done and shows excellent effort

Turned in on time, neatly done and shows very good effort

Turned in on time or late but not neatly done and/or shows good effort

Turned in late, and/or not neatly done- shows little effort.

Total Points:

/16 =

Name:

___________________________________

Number: ______________

The story of my family Totem Pole

Symbols

Thank you for purchasing this product

This project is made to go along with a Native American unit. Students design and make a paper totem pole that represents their family.

Only materials needed are a paper towel tube. construction paper, glue and markers or crayons. Complete and detailed student instructions as well as a grading rubric and paper for a written description are included.

Please take a moment to rate and provide feedback on this product. You will earn Tpt credits for future purchases.

The original purchaser has permission to copy for teaching purposes only. Please do not resell or redistribute any items purchased. All items purchased are for single classroom use only. I am happy to have you post a picture of the item on blogs/websites but ask that you please provide a link back to my TpT store for purchase. If you have questions please email me and I will gladly assist you.

Thanks again for your purchase and God bless you!

Laura Kelley

lakelley@

Fonts: no mystery by Kevin and Amanda

? 2013 Laura Kelley.

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download