The following Frame, Focus and Follow-up suggestions are best suited for middle school students using this video in an English language arts or social studies lesson. Be sure to modify the questions to meet your students' instructional needs.
What is Frame, Focus and Follow-up?
Frame (ELA) On Valentine’s Day, what does a heart symbolize? What other symbols do you know of? What is a symbol? What is symbolism?
Focus (ELA) Determine what the totem pole symbolizes, what each part of the pole symbolizes and what the colors of the pole symbolize.
Follow Up (ELA) Discuss all of the symbols the pole represents. How does the ability to understand the symbolism represented by the pole give the viewer a rich background for interpreting the text?
Frame (SS) Many cultures have traditions that symbolize various beliefs and values of their culture. For example, what does a Thanksgiving dinner symbolize to American families? What symbolic traditions do you know of?
Focus (SS) What does the totem pole in this segment represent? How is it tied to the values and beliefs of the Lummi who created it?
Follow Up (SS) Discuss the totem pole and how its symbolism is tied to the values and beliefs of the Native Americans who created it. Discuss other Native American symbols you know of. What does the Native Americans’ strong use of symbolism tell you about the culture?