Totem Pole Project

Student Samples

A totally terrific totem pole project!  I am SUPER excited to share an amazing project that my second graders are working on right now in correlation with our Social Studies unit (cultures and customs). 

The children first had a homework assignment to discuss with mom/dad what traditions, customs, uniqueness, and heritage they had as a part of their family.  This created many interesting conversations at home!

Then, the children took those ideas and transformed them into pictures to attach to their ToTeM PoLe!  We used the cardboard part of a paper towel roll as our base.  They could trace a bird head and wings to glue onto the "totem."  The pictures represented important things about themselves.  Some people included: special meals with family, family trips, flags to represent where their ancestors are from, special collections, family traditions, etc.

Some kids attached actual photographs, others just drew or created their own pictures.

After the totem poles were completed, the children then chose 4 most important items on their totem and wrote more information about those things on their "storyboard."  The storyboard has a special place in the center where the totem pole is placed.  

They look awesome on display!

Finally, the children were able to share their project with the class and we will be placing them on display in the hallway for all to see.  It was a great way to culminate our culture unit in a UNIQUE way!  

So....

 I plan to add this project to my TpT Store soon :)  (Ok, not that I am trying to push this item as a "sale."  I do hope that you like it because it is one of my favorite "about me" projects!)  AND it's fun and easy to make!

So happy tomorrow is FRIDAY!  Thanks as always for stopping by and reading! :)