Hands-On Crafting

Overview

This Design and Technology (DT) lesson is tailored for Year 3 students, focusing on essential skills in preparation for creating roundhouses. Students will practice cutting, sticking, and assembling materials and engage in a paper weaving activity to create mats. This lesson aligns with the UK Key Stage 2 curriculum, fostering practical skills, creativity, and an understanding of historical structures.

Learning Objectives

• Develop fine motor skills through precise cutting and sticking.
• Understand the concept of assembly as a method to create structures.
• Explore paper weaving techniques and create a woven mat.
• Prepare for the final project of building roundhouses by practising necessary skills.

Curriculum Links

• Design and Technology – Key Stage 2:
  • Design: (1a) Design purposeful, functional, appealing products.
  • Make: (2a) Select and use a range of tools and equipment competently.
  • Evaluate: (4a) Explore and evaluate a range of existing products.

Materials Needed

• A4 sheets of coloured paper
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Pre-cut paper strips (variety of colours)
• Card stock (for final assembly)
• Visuals of Celtic roundhouses for reference
• Safety mats

Lesson Breakdown (50 Minutes)

Introduction (10 Minutes)

1. Set the Scene: Briefly introduce Celtic history and the significance of roundhouses. Use visuals to provide context and inspire students.

2. Objective Explanation: Clearly outline today's goals: practising cutting, sticking, assembling, and weaving skills. Explain how these skills are vital for building roundhouses.

3. Safety Briefing: Discuss the importance of safe handling of scissors and glue.

Activity 1: Cutting and Sticking (15 Minutes)

1. Demonstration (5 Minutes): Show students how to accurately cut paper following guides. Demonstrate effective glue application to minimise mess and ensure durability.

2. Student Practice (10 Minutes):

   • Have students cut shapes from coloured paper.
   • Ask them to make a simple composition by arranging and sticking these cutouts onto a card base.
   • Encourage creativity while managing time efficiently.

Activity 2: Paper Weaving (15 Minutes)

1. Demonstration (5 Minutes): Explain paper weaving and show a finished mat. Demonstrate how paper strips are woven over and under alternatingly.

2. Student Practice (10 Minutes):

   • Students choose paper strips and start weaving them onto the slits of an A4 sheet.
   • Focus on maintaining tightness and proper sequence in weaving to ensure stability.
   • Assist students who might struggle with patterns.

Activity 3: Introduction to Assembly (5 Minutes)

1. Discussion: Explain how their learnt skills apply to constructing a roundhouse. Discuss how assembling small parts can form a larger, functional structure.

2. Group Activity: In small groups, have students brainstorm ideas using their cutouts and weavings for the roundhouse decorations or structures. This will also enhance their collaborative skills.

Plenary (5 Minutes)

1. Review: Recap the skills learned and their importance in the upcoming project.

2. Feedback: Ask students to share something they found challenging or enjoyable. Encourage reflection on the day’s activities.

3. Preview: Brief on the next lesson where they’ll begin the roundhouse project, applying the skills practised today.

Assessment

• Observe students' ability in handling tools and their technique.
• Evaluate the precision and creativity demonstrated in the completed woven mats and paper cutouts.
• Use informal questioning to gauge understanding of the purpose of these skills in project making.

By the end of this lesson, students will have practised foundational skills in DT, gained confidence in material manipulation, and have a better understanding of the historical context behind their future roundhouse project.