Every morning the students at my school recite their school expectations and declare that they are "the world's greatest!" As their teacher, I believe that wholeheartedly; however sometimes my students lack the confidence needed to believe on their own. While my students do enjoy learning, it can be very difficult to get my students motivated to learn and engage in content. I work in a low-income neighborhood where more than 98% of the students who attend my school qualify for free/reduced lunch. In addition, crime rates are rising in our community. My students often come to school with home-life struggles that keep them from owning the title of "the world's greatest!"
My Project
Have you ever wished you could sew on that button that fell off your coat? Or maybe you just want to fix a ripped seam in your favorite shirt or pair of pants? The skill of sewing enables students (and adults!) to have the ability to do this. Many of my students would benefit from learning the life skill of sewing.
Learning how to sew can help children improve their focus, develop self-control, practice math in real life, and create something that is useful.
Besides learning the practical life skill of sewing on a button or fixing a seam, the use of sewing machines can give children additional experience in the world of sewing. Students who sit down to a sewing machine must learn to focus and practice self-control. It takes both of those elements to successfully press down the foot pedal at the correct speed while guiding fabric smoothly through the machine. In addition, math is an academic pursuit that can be integrated into a sewing lesson. Students will need to understand and implement measurement, fractions, and knowledge of shapes when working on sewing projects. How often my students ask "what's the point" of learning math; what a great way to show students how they can use their skills in real life!
Finally, sewing allows students to create something new. I strive to provide lessons for my students where they are able to create. Creating is a Depth of Knowledge Level 4 word. Students will be able to use their concrete knowledge (like measurements, fractions, sewing basics) and intertwine it with their own creative thoughts to make something that is usable in real life. Students might make a bookmark, small pillow or eventually a full-size quilt!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Arvon and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
