While some 4th grade classes are finishing up their fall trees, some are beginning the new project. With Thanksgiving approaching along with the Native American unit in Social Studies, the 4th graders are learning about Native American art in the art room. Focusing on totem poles, we discussed the purpose/uses of totem poles, how they were/are created (click here to watch the modern artist David Boxley, a Tsimshian Native American, carve a totem pole) and where they can be viewed today. Luckily, we live near Chicago and can visit the Field Museum to see some real totem poles. Students then had a chance to reflect on their own personalities, and choose an animal to feature on their totem pole as a representation of themselves. We will be starting to build our totems out of clay next week.
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