Totem Tale Learning Activity: Story Tins

A Totem Tale Learning Activity by Deborah Evans, E.C.E.

Based on the book Totem Tale: A Tall Story from Alaska by Deb Vanasse
Illustrations by Erik Brooks

Directions:

Resize characters as required, in preparation for printing to fit tin that will be used for building your Totem sections: I suggest using small/large metal coffee tins with lids. Pre cut sections of black paper to be used for backgrounds on which you will apply the cut out characters. I used glue sticks but double sided tape would work just as well.

Pre cut sections of brown paper grocery bags to fit/cover the tins on which you will apply the matted characters to. I pre-crumpled the brown paper bags into a ball and then flattened them out before applying the matted characters: This technique gives the artistic impression of a wood-like appearance.

Protect completed tins by covering with clear strapping tape or another clear material. Laminating the prepared characters after you have put them together, prior to applying to the tin might be a nice alternative to using the tape.
Snap a coffee tin lid at each end of the tin for better stacking.
Build your Totem Pole….over and over again!

Totem Tale Activity created by Deborah Evans, Early Childhood Educator, Calgary, AB CANADA @ 2009

Caution: do not use tins that have been opened by a can opener due to risk of injury related to sharp edges.

Start collecting your coffee tins NOW! The coffee manufactures appear to be replacing the tins with cardboard alternatives.

Each Totem pole section has the potential for other uses:
Store props related to the character animal on the outside of the tin.

As drums: experiment using different objects for drumming. The NatureNut I am, I prefer to use objects from nature like ½ – 1 inch diameter sticks from trees cut to about 8-18 inches in length or long enough to store inside the tins. I have found, sticks made from natural wood provide a more sensory-rich experience as opposed to store-bought sticks. When dried they create the most wonderful sounds when used as rhythm sticks. When my neighbour decided to cut down her apple trees, I was quick to acquire the pieces to build a good supply of rhythm sticks from her trees: it was a great Earth Day project!

Hands are great drumming too. Note the different sounds you get from the drum depending on which part of the drum you tap on: edge, center, side.

I hope you find these activities useful in your early childhood classroom.

Nature Hugs,
Deborah

Totem Tale Activity created by Deborah Evans, Early Childhood Educator, Calgary, AB CANADA
Photos by Deborah Evans @ 2009