Totem Tale Learning Activity: Storyboard

A Totem Tale Storyboard/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

Staying true to the frugal teacher I am I used recycled materials: left-over pieces of oak table legs (3 x 3 inch). I glued the two pieces together with wood glue and clamped them together until dry. I applied Velcro rounds: one for each Totem Tale character.

Of course, you can use any wood you desire but I chose this size & weight of wood so my preschoolers would be able to handle the prop with ease yet still have a prop that would sustain repeated use in our active preschool classroom of 24 children on an ongoing basis. We also use the wooden/Velcro prop for other story sequence activities.

I made 3 sets of Totem Tale character cards: color, black & white and a set is of real animals that pair up with each of the Totem Tale characters from the book.
I used my computer printer to print the cards onto cardstock. I matted them with black backgrounds, laminated for durability and attached the opposite pieces of the Velcro rounds to the backs of each card.

We use the cards in various ways; to recreate the totem from the story, match color ~ black/white card versions, match TT characters to their animal partners, play the popular remembrance game, retell the Totem Tale story or make up our own story with the characters and/or animal cards.

This one activity prop has inspired a number of great literacy activities throughout the classroom, at little expense, contributing many valuable learning experiences.
Totem Tale Activity created by Deborah Evans, Early Childhood Educator, Calgary, AB CANADA Photos by Deborah Evans @ 2009

Erik’s illustrations are so beautiful. Out children responded well to the liveliness they transmit, imitating their movements and marveling in his unique artistic impressions. Even in black/white (grayscale) Erik’s illustrations are exquisite!

Totem Tale Activity created by Deborah Evans, Early Childhood Educator, Calgary, AB CANADA Photos by Deborah Evans @ 2009 2