Clothing Cycle: Listening and Speaking Lesson
Lesson Plan
1 hour 20 minutesGradesK, 1, 2Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts
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Written by Lisa Greenwood
About this lesson
Students learn about the problems caused by clothing waste and then repurpose an item of clothing.
Inquire: Students do an open-ended picture sort to explore how t-shirts are made.
Investigate: Students learn about the problems of clothing overproduction and certain types of consumer behavior as they act out how a t-shirt is made.
Inspire: Students consider ways of addressing the problem and experiment with repurposing an item of clothing.
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Suggestions
- Students learn that their personal decisions and advocacy can help solve some of the problems associated with the clothing cycle.
- The idea of unwanted/wasted clothing may be especially bothersome to some students who may be economically disadvantaged. Validate these feelings and discuss the problems with waste when there is a need for something in a community.
- Students help spread awareness on the issue of waste with their repurposing project and poster.
- In order to accommodate different subjects, this lesson can be taught at different times:
- The Life Cycle of a T-Shirt activity could be done during Social Studies since it focuses on the flow of goods and services.
- The clothing discussion could be done during Science since it focuses on environmental effects.
- The repurposing can be completed during Art.
- The poster making may be done in Art, Language Arts, or another subject.
Prerequisites
- Students will need an item of clothing to repurpose. Alternatively, teachers can provide their own fabric scraps for the class to use. Choose a repurposing craft from the Teacher Document and gather materials before beginning.
Differentiation
- This lesson was designed for grades K-2. Please check the differentiation options included in the lesson and its accompanying materials to modify the lesson to meet the needs of your students.
- Templates and visual directions are provided for some of the repurposing project choices. None of the projects require sewing.
- The Student Document is differentiated; ✎ means there is more room for students to draw, and ✎✎ means there is more room for students to write.
- As an extension, students can organize a school clothing swap. Information for this activity can be found in the Teacher Document.
From the scientist review
This lesson covers the fundamentals of fast fashion's effects on the environment and public health, as well as the life cycle of clothing and the supply chain, pollution sources at the point of origin and destination, and possible solutions. The lesson is excellent, well-researched, and suggested for use in the classroom.
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About the teacher writer
Lisa Greenwood
K-2 Teacher
Lisa Greenwood holds a Master's Degree in Childhood Education from CUNY Hunter College. She has nine years of experience teaching all subjects, including STEM, for grades K–5. Lisa holds New York State Professional Certificates in Childhood Education and Special Education.
