Touching Spirit Bear Totem Pole Lesson & Creative Symbolism Novel Activity
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Touching Spirit Bear Totem Pole Lesson & Creative Symbolism Novel Activity: Help your students make meaningful connections to culture, symbolism, and personal identity with this Touching Spirit Bear totem pole activity. In Ben Mikaelsen's novel, Cole carves his own totem pole to reflect his growth and transformation. This lesson introduces students to the history and cultural significance of totem poles, teaches them about symbolic animal meanings, and guides them in designing their own “identity pole.” This creative and reflective project allows students to demonstrate comprehension of the novel while also exploring who they are through symbols.
Included in the Touching Spirit Bear Totem Pole Lesson & Activity:
➡️ Totem Pole Origins & Symbolism Presentation: Use the complete teacher presentation to introduce students to the origins, types, and purposes of totem poles. The slides explain how they are used to honor ancestors, share stories, and represent values. The presentation also connects directly to Cole’s totem pole in Touching Spirit Bear.
➡️ Animal Symbolism Handout: Students will use the provided handout featuring animals such as the lion, owl, fox, elephant, wolf, dolphin, butterfly, turtle, eagle, bear, and more. Each description outlines what these animals generally symbolize throughout the world, helping students choose symbols that reflect their own personality traits, experiences, and values.
➡️ Identity Pole Design Template: Students will design their own "Identity Pole" using the provided blank template. They will choose and illustrate animals that best represent them and write accompanying explanations that connect to their identity and life journey.
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➡️ Totem Pole Origins & Symbolism Presentation: Use the complete teacher presentation to introduce students to the origins, types, and purposes of totem poles. The slides explain how they are used to honor ancestors, share stories, and represent values. The presentation also connects directly to Cole’s totem pole in Touching Spirit Bear.
➡️ Animal Symbolism Handout: Students will use the provided handout featuring animals such as the lion, owl, fox, elephant, wolf, dolphin, butterfly, turtle, eagle, bear, and more. Each description outlines what these animals generally symbolize throughout the world, helping students choose symbols that reflect their own personality traits, experiences, and values.
➡️ Identity Pole Design Template: Students will design their own "Identity Pole" using the provided blank template. They will choose and illustrate animals that best represent them and write accompanying explanations that connect to their identity and life journey.
© Presto Plans
➡️ Want 10 free ELA resources sent to your inbox? Click here!