Storybook Totem Pole Activity | Native American Cultures | 3rd–5th Grade

Teach students about Native American cultures and symbolism with this engaging Storyboard Totem Pole Activity, perfect for 3rd–5th grade social studies and writing! This 5-page resource combines reading comprehension, cultural exploration, art, and creative writing.

Students begin with a beautifully written informational passage explaining what totem poles are, who carved them, where they are found, and the cultural significance behind the animals and designs. Next, students learn the meanings of animals such as the eagle, bear, wolf, otter, fox, owl, whale, frog, and raven. They then design their own family storybook totem pole, choosing symbolic animals and explaining why each one represents their traits or family values.

Finally, students complete a creative writing prompt where they imagine telling the story of their family’s totem pole to a younger sibling.

This activity builds cultural awareness, symbolism, descriptive writing skills, identity exploration, and artistic creativity—all in one!

Ideal for classrooms, homeschool families, and Native American studies units.

✨ What’s Included (5 Pages)

• Informational text: All About Totem Poles
  
• Animal symbolism guide
  
• Simple animal drawing templates
  
• Blank totem pole design worksheet
  
• Creative writing prompt: telling your family’s story
  

📘 Standards AlignmentC3 Framework (Grades 3–5)

• D2.His.2 & 4: Understanding cultural traditions and storytelling
  
• D2.Geo.2: Geographic regions of Native American culture
  
• D2.Civ.2: Cultural identity and community roles
  

Common Core ELA

• RI.3–5: Reading informational text
  
• W.3–5: Narrative & explanatory writing
  
• SL.3–5: Discussion of symbolism & meaning
  
• L.3–5: Vocabulary development
  

State Social Studies Standards (Typical 3rd–5th Grade)

• Native American cultural regions
  
• Traditions, symbolism, and storytelling
  
• Identity and family heritage activities
  

🎯 Perfect For

• Native American studies units
  
• 3rd–5th grade writing
  
• Art + social studies integration
  
• Literacy centers
  
• Homeschool lessons
  
• Identity and values lessons

*This is a project from our full-year Early American History curriculum.