3 Intro Lessons on Making Pyjama Pants
Design and Technology
Year 9
90 minutes
20 Students
| Step Number | Step Title | Length | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to the Design Process | 15 min | Briefly explain the double diamond design process. Discuss the significance of planning in design. |
| 2 | Fabric and Pattern Selection | 20 min | Introduce students to different types of fabrics. Provide swatches and patterns for selection. |
| 3 | Homework Presentation | 10 min | One or two students present their homework related to the design concepts learned in the previous class. |
| 4 | Group Task: Fabric Sorting | 15 min | Divide students into small groups (4-5 students). Task them with sorting and categorizing different fabrics based on texture and durability. |
| 5 | Physical Activity Break | 10 min | Lead a quick physical activity session (e.g., stretching or a simple game) to re-energize students. |
| 6 | Introduction to Construction | 20 min | Explain the basic construction techniques for pyjama pants. Discuss safety measures while using sewing machines. |
| 7 | Wrap-up and Reflection | 5 min | Recap the lesson’s key points. Allow students to share what they learned and their thoughts on the design process. |
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we will embark on an exciting journey of designing and creating our very own pyjama pants. Before we dive in, let’s talk about a very important concept in design called the double diamond design process.
The double diamond design process is a structured approach that helps us understand the needs of our users and refine our ideas. It consists of two main phases: ‘Discover’ and ‘Define’ in the first diamond, where we gather insights and explore possibilities, and ‘Develop’ and ‘Deliver’ in the second diamond, where we refine our concepts and bring them to life.
Understanding this process is crucial, as it emphasizes the importance of planning in design. Without proper planning, even the best ideas can fall flat. Does anyone have questions about this process, or can anyone share why they think planning is essential in design?"
"Now that we have a grasp of the design process, let's move on to something very tactile and exciting: fabric and pattern selection.
Fabric plays a vital role in the look and feel of our pyjama pants. Here in front of you, I have various fabric swatches, including cotton and flannel. Each type of fabric has its own unique qualities.
I want you to explore these swatches. What textures do you feel? How do you think they would work for pyjama pants? Each of you will receive a pattern template. Take a moment to examine it and think about which fabric would best suit your design.
Alright, take about 20 minutes to discuss amongst yourselves, and feel free to bring your thoughts and questions to me as you work. Let’s get started!"
"Let's take a moment to hear about your thoughts from our previous lesson. I'd like to invite one or two students to present their homework related to the design concepts we covered.
Remember to tell us about your research and how it connects to today's lesson on fabric selection and design. Who would like to start?"
"Great job with the presentations! Now, let's move on to our next activity. I will divide you into small groups of four or five. Each group will receive a collection of different fabric types.
Your task is to sort and categorize these fabrics based on their texture and durability. Discuss among your group what you think are the best applications for each fabric type. This is a great opportunity to collaborate and share ideas.
You have 15 minutes for this activity. After that, we will regroup to share your findings. Let’s get sorting!"
"Nice work, everyone! I can see a lot of great discussion happening in those groups. Now, let’s take a quick physical activity break.
Stand up, stretch your arms and legs. We’re going to play a quick game! How about a game of 'Simon Says?' It will only take about 10 minutes to re-energize and get us back focused.
Ready? Let’s get moving, and remember, only do what ‘Simon Says!’"
"Alright, let’s sit back down. I hope you all feel refreshed! Now, it’s time to dive into the practical side: the construction techniques for making pyjama pants.
First, I will explain some basic techniques, including how to properly measure yourself and read a sewing pattern. Safety is key, especially when using the sewing machines, so let’s discuss some important safety measures: ensuring no loose clothing, keeping your fingers away from the needle, and how to operate the machine safely.
After that, I’ll demonstrate how to begin your sewing project. Feel free to ask questions as we move along!
Let’s allocate 20 minutes for this section."
"Well done today, everyone! As we wrap up, let’s review what we’ve learned.
We covered the double diamond design process, explored various fabric types, and started to understand construction techniques.
I’d love to hear from you all—what was your biggest takeaway from today’s lesson? Any thoughts on how the design process helped you with choosing materials?
Let’s take the last five minutes to share our reflections. Thank you all for your amazing participation today!"
| Slide Number | Image | Slide Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | {Image: A diagram of the double diamond design process} | - Introduction to the design process - Explanation of the double diamond design process - Importance of planning in design |
| 2 | {Image: Various fabric swatches displayed} | - Importance of fabric and pattern selection - Characteristics of cotton and flannel - Exploring fabric swatches and their textures |
| 3 | {Image: Students presenting to the class} | - Homework presentation by students - Connection of homework to fabric selection and design concepts - Inviting student participation |
| 4 | {Image: Students sorting fabrics in groups} | - Group task: sorting and categorising fabrics - Criteria based on texture and durability - Collaborative discussion and sharing ideas |
| 5 | {Image: Students stretching during a break} | - Physical activity break - Importance of re-energising - Introduction to the game 'Simon Says' |
| 6 | {Image: Demonstration of sewing techniques} | - Introduction to construction techniques - Basic measuring and reading sewing patterns - Safety measures for using sewing machines |
| 7 | {Image: Students working on sewing projects} | - Overview of sewing project commencement - Opportunities for questions and clarifications - Hands-on practice with sewing |
| 8 | {Image: Reflection session with students participating} | - Wrap-up of the lesson - Review of the double diamond process, fabric types, and construction techniques - Student reflections and takeaways |
What are some examples of how the double diamond design process can be applied in other areas of design besides fashion?
Can you describe a unique feature of a fabric type you explored today and how it contributes to the overall feel of the pyjama pants?
How do you think the pattern you received will influence your fabric choice? Can you explain why you chose a particular fabric for your design?
In your opinion, what safety measures are the most important when sewing, and why should we adhere to them?
Reflecting on today’s lesson, how do you think understanding the design process can make you a better creator in future projects?
# Simple Physical Exercises
- **Stand Up, Sit Down**: Mimic the motion of standing and sitting, a great way to get the blood flowing!
- **Arm Circles**: Swing your arms in small circles, then gradually make them bigger. Let’s get those shoulders loose!
- **Toe Touches**: Bend at the waist and reach for your toes to stretch those hamstrings.
- **High Knees**: Jog in place, bringing your knees up towards your chest. It’s a fun way to get the heart pumping!
- **Jumping Jacks**: Spread your arms and legs, then bring them back together. Repeat and feel the energy scale!
- **Side Steps**: Step side to side, reaching your arms to the sky! Let’s stretch and sway together.
- **Wall Push-ups**: Face a wall and push against it. It’s an easy way to get moving without needing to get on the floor.
- **Calf Raises**: Stand tall and rise up onto your toes, holding for a moment before lowering back down. Repeat to strengthen those legs.
- **Hip Twists**: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and twist your hips side to side. It helps loosen the core!
- **Simon Says Stretch**: Time for the classic game! “Simon says” to mimic different stretches: reaching for the sky, bending to the side, or even shaking your arms like jelly.
Let’s move and groove, feel the rhythm in our bodies, and get ready to dive back into our creative work!