Embroidery and Reflection

Year Level

Year 2

Duration

45 minutes

Class Size

8 students

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Learn and practise basic embroidery stitches to decorate shorts.
• Complete our sewing projects with final touches.
• Reflect on our learning journey in sewing.

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Success Criteria

Students will be able to:

• Identify and perform basic embroidery stitches such as running stitch, back stitch, and cross stitch.
• Add decorative stitching confidently and neatly to their shorts project.
• Describe what they have learned during the sewing unit and how they used their new skills.
• Show perseverance by completing their project.

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Curriculum Links

Technology Learning Area - Technological Practice (Planning for Practice and Outcome Evaluation)

• Progress Outcome for Level 1 (Year 1-2):
  Use simple tools, equipment, and materials safely to make a product.
  Plan how to use materials and equipment.
  Evaluate their outcomes and describe how their product works or could be improved.

Key Competencies (NZC)

• Managing Self: Students set goals to finish their projects, manage time, and reflect on their learning.
• Relating to Others: Students share ideas and ask for help when needed.
• Thinking: Students use problem-solving skills to add decorative stitches.
• Using Language, Symbols and Texts: Students follow step-by-step instructions and communicate about their work.

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Resources Needed

• Embroidery needles (appropriate size for young children)
• Colourful embroidery threads
• Embroidery hoops (small size)
• Scissors with rounded tips
• Sample swatches showing running stitch, back stitch, and cross stitch
• Students' unfinished shorts sewing project
• Reflection sheets with simple sentence starters
• Quiet workspace for individual stitching
• Dyslexia-friendly fonts on all printed instructions and reflection sheets

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Lesson Outline

Introduction (10 minutes)

• Recap: Review previous sewing skills practiced in the unit (sewing seams, threading needles).
• Demonstration: Show how to do three basic embroidery stitches (running stitch, back stitch, cross stitch) using a sample fabric in an embroidery hoop. Explain each step slowly and clearly.
• WALT and success criteria shared on the board in simple language.

Guided Practice (15 minutes)

• Each student practises each of the embroidery stitches on a small sampler before working on their shorts. Teacher circulates to assist, making sure all students can form stitches confidently.
• Use verbal encouragement and pair students to share tips (promoting relating to others).
• Students who find fine motor skills challenging get extra one-on-one support or use larger needles and thick thread to increase accessibility.

Independent Work (15 minutes)

• Students add embroidery decorations to their shorts using chosen stitches and colours.
• Encourage creativity while reminding them to focus on neatness and using the stitches correctly.
• For advanced learners: challenge them to create a small pattern (e.g., flowers or shapes) using different stitches or combining colours.
• Dyslexia-friendly written step-by-step visual guides are available for reference.

Reflection and Sharing (5 minutes)

• Students complete a short reflection sheet:
  • What stitches did I use?
  • What was my favourite part?
  • What did I find tricky?
  • What will I remember from this sewing adventure?
• Share reflections in pairs or with the class. Teacher facilitates positive feedback and highlights perseverance and creativity.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Provide larger needles and thicker thread for students with fine motor difficulties.
• Use step-by-step visual and verbal instructions to support different learning styles.
• Pair stronger with emerging sewers for peer support.
• Allow extra time or alternate stitching tools (like plastic needles) as needed.

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Extension Activities

• Students who finish early can design a small embroidered badge or patch to add to their shorts.
• Challenge advanced learners to practise stitching patterns or lettering.
• Introduce simple embroidery samplers with Maori or Pasifika motif inspiration for cultural connection (optional enrichment).

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Assessment

• Ongoing formative assessment during guided and independent stitching (observe correct use of stitches, safety with tools).
• Review completed projects for neatness, effort, and creativity.
• Assess reflections for understanding of process and self-awareness of learning.

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This lesson concludes the "Sewing Skills Adventure" unit, celebrating the achievement of Year 2 students in learning fundamental textile skills through engaging, hands-on activities firmly grounded in the New Zealand Curriculum's technology strand and key competencies. It encourages self-management, creativity, and personal reflection, tailored with inclusive and dyslexia-friendly strategies for all learners.

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If you need the specific curriculum codes or extracts, I can provide them too.