Oak Grove Elementary QR Communication: Activities for November 2021

During the month of November we are going to integrate Balance and Symmetry as two design principles in our art work. We are going to celebrate Native American Heritage Month and Thanksgiving by creating our own Native American Story Totem Poles.

Native American
Totem Poles

Lesson 1-3 / Dates

November 1 – November 23

Essential Question

What is the role of the Visual Arts in Ancient traditions?

A Totem Pole is an artistic way that some Pacific Northwest Coastal Native Americans use to tell a story.

"Each image carved into a totem pole represents a story and a recorded history. Creatures of the natural world — bears, fish, wolves, whales — are commonly present on the poles; as are mythical supernatural creatures, like the thunderbird or sea serpent. A totem pole is a complete family history, created to last eternity."

V.A. Standards

Big Idea: The Arts reflect and document cultural trends and historical events

VA.2.H.2.2- Identify objects from everyday life that have been designed and created using artistic skills.
VA.3.H.2.2- Examine artworks and utilitarian objects, and describe their significance in the school and/or community.
VA.4.H.2.2-Identify differences between artworks and utilitarian objects.
VA.5.H.2.2-Describe the ways in which artworks and utilitarian objects impact everyday life.

Correlated L.A. Standards

LAFS.2.RL.1.3/2.5/3.7, LAFS.2.RI.1.1/1.2/2.5

LAFS.3.RL.1.1/1.3/3.7, LAFS.3.L.3.4.a&d

LAFS.4.RL.1.1/1.3/3.7, LAFS.4.L.3.5c

LAFS.5.RL.1.1/1.3/3.7 LAFS.5.L.3.4a&c

Vocabulary (Click on links for definitions)

Genre: n/a

Artistic Style: Decorative

Content/Meaning: Imaginary

Media/Technique: Sculpture

Design Elements: Shape, Color, Form

Design Principles: Contrast, Symmetry, Balance