What are your traditions? Totem Poles What are your traditions? http://www.opencourtresources.com

Symbols – Tell a Story Totem poles are made by the Tlingit Indians of the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. Traditionally, Each Totem Pole tells the story of a Native American family's ancestral spirits and family history (pictured in human and animal form). They depict the spirits as people, mythical beasts, and wildlife treasured by the Tlingit Tribe. These huge, wooden poles often show the bald eagle, grizzly bear, moose, beaver, otter, mountain goat, wolf, whale, porpoise, seal, sea lion, and salmon

Symbols – Tell a Story

Symbols – Tell a Story

Symbols – Tell a Story

Symbols – Tell a Story

Make One—Tell Your Story Supplies needed: A paper towel tube Crayons, tempera paint, or markers Brown construction paper (a few sheets) Scissors Tape, White glue

Make One—Tell Your Story Trim the paper to the right height and width (allow about a half-inch overlap around the tube so you can glue the edges more easily).

Make One—Tell Your Story Divide the paper into 4 or more horizontal sections. Have the child draw a different animal head in each section. Put most of the facial details in the middle of each section. You can cut the paper into sections and have each child draw one face. Divide the paper into 4 or more horizontal sections. Have the child draw a different animal head in each section. Put most of the facial details in the middle of each section. If you're working with a group of children, you can cut the paper into sections and have each child draw one face.

Make One—Tell Your Story Wrap the heads around the paper towel tube and glue the seams.

Make One—Tell Your Story Draw wings or arms for some or all of the animals. Cut them out and decorate them. Glue them to the back of the Totem Pole.