Perfect Stitches Begin

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Overview

Unit: Sewing Skills Unleashed
Lesson: 12 of 24
Duration: 60 Minutes
Class Size: 25 Year 9 Students
Curriculum Area: Technology — Learning area from The New Zealand Curriculum
Curriculum Level: Level 4
Technological Practice Strand Focus: Technological Modelling, Technological Products

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Learning Outcome

By the end of this lesson, ākonga (students) will:

• Successfully complete a simple hand-sewn project (fabric bookmark) using running stitch and optional decorative stitches.
• Apply prior learning from previous lessons (fabric preparation, threading a needle, knotting, accurate stitching).
• Begin to develop fine motor skills, self-management, and resilience through tactile and focused practice.

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Key Competencies

This lesson supports the development of:

• Thinking: Making decisions about stitch type, colour, and placement.
• Using language, symbols and texts: Understanding and following sewing diagrams and verbal instructions.
• Managing self: Organising and completing a task within a defined time, handling tools responsibly.
• Relating to others: Collaborating by assisting peers or demonstrating techniques.
• Participating and contributing: Engaging fully in the practical activity and supporting a productive learning environment.

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Te Ao Māori Integration

• Use kupu Māori for key vocabulary where possible (e.g., whatu – to sew; kāmoe – stitch)
• Reflect mātauranga Māori by acknowledging traditional and contemporary uses of hand-sewing in Māori culture (e.g., in kākahu/weaving edge finishes).
• Emphasise whanaungatanga (relationships) through tuakana–teina pairings during peer support processes.

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Prior Learning

This lesson builds on:

• Lesson 7: Introduction to basic stitches — running, backstitch
• Lesson 9: Threading and knotting skills
• Lesson 10: Sewing with templates
• Lesson 11: Choosing suitable materials (fabric swatches and their properties)

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Lesson Breakdown

⏱️ Time Allocation

Time	Activity	Description
5 mins	Welcome & Whakarongo Mai	Brief recap of prior learning. Introduce today’s task: creating a simple fabric bookmark. Display sample. Revisit success criteria.
10 mins	Plan & Design Brief	Students sketch a simple design (shape, thread colour, optional embellishment) in their tech journals.
5 mins	Materials & Safety	Distribute fabric (pre-cut rectangles), thread, needles, scissors. Reinforce safety expectations and te ao Māori tikanga (respect for shared resources).
25 mins	Create the Bookmark	Students hand-stitch their bookmarks using the running stitch. Optional decorative stitch or embroidery may be added if time permits. Teacher circulates to support and prompt. Tuakana–teina pairs may assist each other.
10 mins	Peer Review & Feedback	In small groups (3–4), students share their work, describe choices made and give positive, constructive feedback using “Two Stars & a Wish” framework.
5 mins	Reflection	Individually, students write a reflection in their tech journals: “What went well?”, “What challenged me?”, “Target for next project.”

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Success Criteria

Students will demonstrate they can:

• Thread a needle and tie a functional knot independently
• Use a consistent running stitch across the bookmark
• Finish edges neatly (or with guidance)
• Evaluate peers’ designs positively and constructively
• Reflect thoughtfully on their own process and product

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Differentiation and Support

For Students Needing More Support:

• Pre-threaded needles available
• Use larger fabric pieces or felt for easier handling
• Pair with tuakana (peer guide)
• Option to focus on just the outer edge stitching

For Students Ready for Extension:

• Add basic embroidery (e.g., initials stitched on)
• Explore blanket or cross stitch to decorate borders
• Add simple applique (using spare fabric to add shapes)

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Curriculum Connections

Technology – Level 4:

• Students will undertake technological practice by developing and evaluating their bookmark project.
• They demonstrate understanding that materials will behave differently depending on how they are manipulated, selected and used (Technological Products).
• They will identify and consider the views of stakeholders – in this case, themselves and their peers – during the peer feedback portion of the lesson.

Literacy Connection:

• Use of the “Two Stars & a Wish” encourages clear, purposeful communication and self-reflection – strengthening oracy and literacy through a technological lens.

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Assessment for Learning

Formative assessment of progress through teacher observation, checking for:

• Independence in basic sewing techniques
• Evidence of prior learning being applied
• Peer engagement and ability to articulate decisions
• Thoughtfulness in self-reflection entries

These observations are recorded to inform next steps and student progress throughout the unit.

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Materials and Resources

• Pre-cut rectangles of fabric (cotton or felt)
• Embroidery thread in various colours
• Needles, scissors, pins
• Pencils for sketching
• Tech journals
• Sample bookmark
• Safety checklist poster on display
• Māori vocabulary mini-poster for sewing terms

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Teacher Tips

• Display exemplar bookmarks from previous years for inspiration
• Play low-volume instrumental music during the stitching session to create a calm, focused atmosphere
• Use a visual timer to help students pace themselves in construction
• Bring in a guest speaker (such as a kaumatua or local artist) in a future lesson to speak about traditional Māori textile work: tukutuku, weaving or garment adornments

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Whakataukī

“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.”
“My strength is not that of an individual but that of the collective.”
Use this whakataukī to reinforce the importance of collaborative learning, particularly in today’s peer feedback and tuakana–teina pairings.

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Next Lesson Preview

Lesson 13: Machine Time Basics
Students will be introduced to the sewing machine, its parts and functions, and practise threading and test stitching on scrap fabrics.

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Prepared by:
[Your School Name] Technology Department
Aligned with The New Zealand Curriculum – Technology Learning Area
Level 4 – Technological Practice / Products Strand

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Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui 🧵