Getting Started

Lesson Overview

Unit Title: Sewing Skills Unleashed
Lesson: 1 of 24
Lesson Title: Introduction to Sewing Machines
Year Group: Year 9
Curriculum Area: Technology – Technological Knowledge
NZC Level: Level 4

Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 25 students

Big Idea: Technology exists across culture and time, with tools and systems evolving to meet human needs.

Significant Learning Focus: Students will explore material-related systems and understand how components of technological tools (in this case, sewing machines) affect their functional use.

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Learning Intentions

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Identify key parts of a sewing machine and describe their function.
• Understand different types of sewing machines (manual, mechanical, and digital).
• Demonstrate safe handling and basic familiarity with a classroom sewing machine.
• Begin developing the vocabulary and confidence to participate in hands-on textile work.

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Success Criteria

Students can:

• Correctly label major components of a sewing machine.
• Verbally explain the function of at least three key parts.
• Describe safety precautions when operating a sewing machine.
• Engage respectfully in guided group exploration.

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Key Competencies

• Thinking – Making sense of new information about tools and technology.
• Managing Self – Handling equipment responsibly and listening during demos.
• Participating and Contributing – Working with peers in group discussion and team-based activities.
• Using Language, Symbols, and Texts – Learning technical terms related to machines and textiles.

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Resources and Materials

• 6 sewing machines (1 per 4-5 students)
• Laminated sewing machine diagram handouts (blank + labelled)
• Safety prompt posters
• Projector or screen for demonstration
• Whiteboard and markers
• "Ki hea rā?" poster visible in classroom linking to pathways and sector info
• Station bins with paper, pens, and highlighters
• Traffic light cards (green, orange, red) for feedback check-ins

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Vocabulary Focus

• Bobbin
• Presser Foot
• Feed Dogs
• Spool Pin
• Hand Wheel
• Stitch Selector
• Foot Pedal
• Thread Tension Dial
• Reverse Lever

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Lesson Breakdown

🔵 1. Whakawhanaungatanga | Welcome & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Greet students at the door with their names.
• Quick kōrero: “Has anyone ever seen or used a sewing machine before?”
• Emphasise the relevance of textiles and innovation in Aotearoa/New Zealand and link to student aspirations using visible “Ki hea rā?” poster.
• Frame today’s learning as an exploration of new tools that enable creativity and independence.

🔍 2. Introduction: What is a Sewing Machine? (10 minutes)

• Project an image of three types of sewing machines: vintage manual, mechanical, and digital.
• Facilitate a whole-class observation: “What do you notice that’s different between them?”
• Connect ideas to technological evolution—machines as systems that support textile innovation.
• Introduce key components students will become familiar with over this unit.

✏️ 3. Machine Match-Up: Group Activity (15 minutes)

Setup: Divide the class into five groups of five students. Each group is stationed at a different machine. Distribute:

• Laminated blank sewing machine diagram
• Sticky note pads
• Safety prompts on laminated cards

Instructions:

• In groups, observe the actual sewing machine and try to match parts to the diagram using sticky notes.
• Encourage discussion and peer-led questioning: “What do you think this part helps do?”
• Prompt appropriate technical language exchange.

Teacher Role:

• Circulate and provoke thinking using questions:
  • “Why might this part move?”
  • “What would happen if this piece didn’t work?”
• Offer clues as needed, but avoid giving away answers.

📺 4. Guided Demonstration & Safety Protocols (15 minutes)

• Use one machine, projected live or displayed prominently.
• Systematically explain the function of each part using a labelled diagram.
• Model safe handling: positioning fingers, turning the wheel, and powering off.
• Interweave quick-fire questions: “Which part controls speed?”
• Encourage mōhio (understanding) of responsibility with equipment.

Interactive Moment:

• Give students traffic light cards and pause periodically to ask:
  • Green: “I understand.”
  • Orange: “I kind of get it.”
  • Red: “Please explain again.”

This allows for immediate formative feedback.

🧠 5. Individual Reflection (10 minutes)

• Students complete an exit slip to place in the "Out the Door" box:
  • Name two parts of the sewing machine.
  • Write one safety tip in their own words.
  • One sentence: “I’m curious about sewing machines because…”

Use this data for grouping and scaffolding in Lesson 2.

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Extension / Early Finisher

Students can:

• Label the diagram accurately in their workbooks with glossary definitions.
• Invent a “dream sewing machine” and write a short paragraph describing its features.

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Homework (Optional / Enrichment)

Students are invited to talk to a parent, grandparent, or whānau member about sewing — ask:

• “Has anyone in your family used a sewing machine before?”
• Write 2-3 sentences in their workbook about what they learned or discovered.

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Assessment for Learning

Formative:

• Observation during group activity.
• Class engagement with demonstration.
• Exit slips to check understanding and spark curiosity.

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Mātauranga Māori Integration

• Begin the lesson with a whakataukī reflecting on the value of creating with your hands:
  “He ringa raupā, he ringa mahi” – A calloused hand is a working hand.
• Connect technology to traditional fibre arts such as raranga (weaving) and kākahu (garment-making).
• Reinforce that all tools are extensions of human ingenuity, grounded in tradition and adapted for the future.

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Pathways & Careers Connection

Display the “Ki hea rā?” poster in the textiles area.
At lesson close, pose the question:

• “How could learning to sew help you in the future?”
  Relate to career pathways including:
• Fashion Design
• Costume and Set Design
• Upholstery
• Textile Engineering
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation

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Teacher Reflection Prompt (Post-Lesson)

• Which parts of today’s session sparked the most interest?
• Were there any unexpected questions or insights from students?
• Did students feel confident and safe around the machines?
• How well did the group dynamics work? Will grouping changes be needed for future practicals?

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Looking Ahead: Lesson 2 Preview

Next Lesson: Threading the Machine & Simple Stitching Practice
Students will thread the machine and practise straight stitch lines on calico, applying today’s knowledge in a hands-on setting.

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Prepared in alignment with the NCEA change package and the New Zealand Curriculum (Level 4 Technological Knowledge). Designed to empower kaiako and engage ākonga in relevant, local, and innovative learning pathways.