aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Art
What age group	Year or Grade 9
What topic	Clay sculpted totem poles
Quantity	1
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Lesson Introduction: Exploring Clay Sculpted Totem Poles

Hook: The Story Behind the Totem

As we embark on our journey into the fascinating world of totem poles, let’s set the scene with an intriguing story. Imagine you are standing in front of a towering totem pole carved by Indigenous artists from the Pacific Northwest. The intricate designs and vivid colours tell stories of family lineage, cultural beliefs, and natural elements. Each figure carved into the wood or clay represents a part of their history — a spirit animal, a significant event, or a cherished ancestor.

Warm-Up Activity: Visualisation Exercise

To kick off our lesson, we’re going to engage our imaginations. Close your eyes for a moment and visualise a totem pole in your mind. Picture its size, the textures, and the colours. Think about what stories or symbols it might be conveying.

Now, here’s your task:

1. Draw a symbol that represents something important to you. It could be an emotion, a personal experience, or a value that you hold dear.
2. As you draw, consider how that symbol could fit into a larger story. What would your totem pole express about you?

Transition to the Main Lesson

Open your eyes and take a moment to share your symbols with the person next to you. Once you’ve exchanged ideas, let’s discuss how these symbols relate to the tradition of totem poles. Just like your drawings, each totem pole is layered with meaning and cultural significance.

Today, we will learn about the history and purpose of totem poles, and then we’ll dig into the hands-on part: creating our very own clay sculpted totem poles! Together, we’ll explore different techniques and styles that will bring your unique story to life.

Let’s get started!