Make a Totem Pole from a paper towel tube. Traditionally, each Totem Pole tells the story of a Native American family's ancestral spirits and family history (pictured in human and animal form). They depict the spirits as people, mythical beasts, and wildlife treasured by the tribe.

 Supplies needed:

A paper towel tube Crayons, tempera paint, or markers Brown construction paper (a few sheets) Scissors White glue 2 popsicle sticks (optional)

Wrap a piece of construction paper around a paper towel tube to see what size paper you will need. Trim the paper to the right height and width (allow about a half inch overlap around the tube, so you can glue the edges).

Divide the paper into 4 or more horizontal sections. Have the child draw a different animal head in each section. Put most of the facial details in the middle of each section. If you're working with a group of children, cut the paper into sections and have each child draw one face.

Wrap the heads around the paper towel tube and glue the seams.

Draw wings or arms for some or all of the animals. Cut them out and decorate them. Glue them to the back of the Totem Pole.

Optional: Glue 2 popsicle sticks to the base so that your Totem Pole stands upright. Hot glue works well for this.