Creating Totem Poles

Photo Credit: Google

Teaching about totem poles is an easy and important way to connect students to a different culture. Students would probably love to simply look at different totem poles and learn about them. They could learn about what the totem poles stand for how they can differ from tribe to tribe, and so much more! These totem poles tell stories that are important to those who make them. They can tell about any event in a persons’ life.

We had the opportunity to create totem poles in class with groups. It was amazing to see all of the different stories that were being told by each group through their totem poles. Some were very colorful, they were made of different materials, and of course they all had different layers that tell their stories.

My group created our totem pole out of salt dough, this was my idea because I just love salt dough so much! The story that we decided to share was a story of our friendship. Each different level was a representation of each of us (Jamie, Alicia, Michelle, and I). Jamie was at the top and she made a fox to represent herself because that is her favorite animal. Alicia made Mickey Mouse for her level because of her intense love of all things Disney. Next is Michelle, she created a unicorn. Anyone who knows Michelle would not be surprised about this; she loves unicorns. Her level is a little different because she added sparkles to her salt dough. I think that really gives the unicorn more life and it just represents Michelle even more. Finally my level is at the bottom of the totem pole. I made a mustache. Again, anyone who knows me would not be surprised about this. I have a slight, ok maybe more than slight, obsession with mustaches. So, looking at that piece of our totem pole will truly make our class think of me I’m sure.

If we can put this much creativity and heart into this project as college students, I can only imagine the beautiful pieces of art and the amazing stories that younger students would come up with. A project like this is a great way to get the class to be hands on, get to know each other, and to get to know other cultures. In short, it is just fun and amazing!