English Language ArtsK-2
The Sky-High Totem Pole: A Kindergarten Tall Tale Storybook
By Kristin W.
A printable tall tale storybook about a family whose totem pole grows taller with every carving, written in simple language with illustration pages for young readers. It introduces story structure, sequencing, and the idea that symbols like the Beaver and Salmon can carry meaning, and it works best for shared reading or read-alouds in a 15 to 20 minute block.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as a whole-group read-aloud during a unit on folktales or tall tales, pausing on each illustration page so students can predict what the next carving will be.
- Discussion question: Why do you think the family chose a Beaver and a Salmon to carve, and what might a new animal on the pole say about them?
- Scaffold for emerging readers: preview key words like "Beaver" and "Salmon" with picture cards, and have students retell the story using the illustrations as cues.
- Extension for advanced students: have them draft one more carved animal and a short sentence explaining what it symbolizes for the family.
- Estimated time: about 15 to 20 minutes for the read-aloud, plus 10 minutes for retelling or drawing.
English Language ArtsK-2
The Sky-High Totem Pole: A Kindergarten Tall Tale Storybook
By Kristin W.
A printable tall tale storybook about a family whose totem pole grows taller with every carving, written in simple language with illustration pages for young readers. It introduces story structure, sequencing, and the idea that symbols like the Beaver and Salmon can carry meaning, and it works best for shared reading or read-alouds in a 15 to 20 minute block.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as a whole-group read-aloud during a unit on folktales or tall tales, pausing on each illustration page so students can predict what the next carving will be.
- Discussion question: Why do you think the family chose a Beaver and a Salmon to carve, and what might a new animal on the pole say about them?
- Scaffold for emerging readers: preview key words like "Beaver" and "Salmon" with picture cards, and have students retell the story using the illustrations as cues.
- Extension for advanced students: have them draft one more carved animal and a short sentence explaining what it symbolizes for the family.
- Estimated time: about 15 to 20 minutes for the read-aloud, plus 10 minutes for retelling or drawing.