English

Oral Language K.1, 1.1, 2.1

History and Social Science

History 2.2

EC.3: Ways to work with others

EC.4: Characteristics of leaders

EC.5: Role of the follower

Totem Pole

This activity helps children understand the role of leader and follower within the context of work groups. To begin, explain that totem poles were used by some Indian (first American) tribes to honor a person or to tell a story.

Steps To Complete the Activity

• Divide the class into groups of three or four, and give each group a box. Have the group decide what color or colors to paint the box.
• When the paint is dry, set out glue and art junk materials. Have each group decide how they will make a face on and otherwise decorate the box. When they have made the necessary decisions, they begin work.
• Have students stack the boxes, largest to smallest, to make a totem pole.
• Have each group make up a story about their totem pole.

Discussion

What part of the project did you like best?

How did you decide what your group would do?

Did you have problems in your group? How did you solve them?

Materials

Boxes of different sizes, paint, white glue, art junk (paper scraps, cardboard tubes, fabric, spools, Styrofoam)

Resources

Kreidler, William J. Creative Conflict Resolution: More That 200 Activities for Keeping Peace in the Classroom. Glenview, IL: Good Year Books, 1984.