Kate Callahan and Emily Bowers

Culturally Sensitive Lesson Plan ​AFTER

Grade​- 4th Time​- Two 45 minute Lesson​ - Lesson on the
class periods history of Native
American totem poles,
their significance, and
creating “totem” poles
that reflect personal
experiences and
interests.
SCVA Standard​ -
● VA.R NM.5 I can talk about how an artwork tells a story or has a message.
● VA.C NH.6 I can identify and use different artistic styles, from various
cultures and time periods.
● VA.CR NM.1.2 I can combine several elements of art to construct 2D or 3D
artwork.

Learning Objective​-
● I CAN talk about the story of an artwork.
● I CAN identify different artistic styles from various cultures and time
periods.
● I CAN combine elements of art to create a 3D artwork.

Formative Assessment​- Direct Observation and Kinesthetic signals (thumbs up,

nod, smile).

Summative Assessment​- Students will create “totem” poles that are not
recreations or exact replicas of Native American “totem” poles, but rather
represent their own experience. Students will additionally have an exit slip
where they write something they learned about Native American totem poles in
1-2 sentences.

Language Function​-talk, identify, combine

Vocabulary​-
 1. Totem-an object serving as the emblem of a family or clan or a carving or
picture representing an object.
2. Totem poles-a wooden pole carved and painted with totems and set up
by American Indian tribes in North America.
3. Native American Indians-members of any indigenous peoples of North
America. They are the first group of people that lived in North America,
they did not come here from another country like many other people in
America.
4. Culture-the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a
particular nation, people, or social group.
5. Cultural appreciation-
Discourse​-Students and teacher will use vocabulary words in discussion and use
vocabulary words to write exit slip.

Practice​- Students will use the exit slip to write what they know about Native
American Indian totem poles.

Key Concepts/Big Idea​- We can learn about other cultures’ art styles and what
objects are important to them. We can appreciate other cultures’ art. We
should not steal others' art and claim it as our own. Our art should stem from
what we know-our experiences, our interests, our beliefs.

Brief Description of Project/Activities​-

1. The teacher will read the book ​Whale in the Sky​ by Anne Siberell.
2. The teacher will share a PowerPoint presentation on Native American
totem poles, complete with vocabulary words and pictures of totem
poles. The teacher will also share a brief history of Native Americans and
the significance of totem poles.
3. The teacher will share the key concept, which states that it is wonderful
to appreciate other cultures’ artworks and significant objects, but we
should not copy them or steal them. We need to recognize they are not
our invention, they belong to someone else.
4. The teacher will pass out materials.
5. The students will make a list of things they like, things that are important
to them and their family. This list can also include colors and ideas for
 shapes or patterns they want to use.
6. The teacher will pass out supplies.
7. The teacher and students will begin creating their own version of a totem
pole—they will not copy patterns, color schemes, etc from the examples
of authentic totem poles.
8. Exit slip

Materials​-
- Cardboard Paper Towel Roll
- Glue
- Scissors
- Paint
- Cardboard
- Book: ​Whale in the Sky​ by Anne Siberell