Textiles Study Unfolds in Junior Kindergarten

In Mrs. Summers’ Junior Kindergarten class, something exciting has been threading its way through the curriculum – sewing! The little learners have embarked on a hands-on journey into the world of fabrics and textiles, igniting their creativity and fine motor skills along the way.

The adventure began with the introduction of a sewing machine into the classroom. The sewing machine sat on a table, inviting children to explore and investigate. From the first touch of its buttons, they asked questions and made guesses about what the different parts might do. After they worked together to figure out some basics of how the machine worked, one child decided to try putting a piece of paper under the needle to see what would happen.  

Throughout the week, their understanding deepened as they experimented with different fabrics and stitches. Children made labels of various parts of the sewing machine for an informational poster to hang in their sewing corner.  

The class tried weaving with paper. Over, under, over, under. Patterns and fine motor work came together to create art that was similar to how the sewing machine worked. 

Hand stitching on embroidery hoops brought new, related challenges and opportunities for growth. They learned a whip stitch (over the edge) and running stitch (in and out). 

A special visitor named Ms. Jacqueline, a seamstress who teaches sewing classes, taught the young Chargers a lot and worked with each student to sew a little bag with straps! Ms. Jacqueline visited for a second time and helped children make fabric pockets. This project required them to learn a new skill of machine sewing a buttonhole. Luckily they had practiced hand sewing buttons in preparation for this task.  

We returned to hand stitching and added an extra challenge: can you stitch some beads or ribbons to your hoop? They practiced hand sewing skills further by making “stuffies.” Children choose a heart or circle pattern, stitched the pieces together and stuffed them. 

Their exploration of materials expanded as they delved into the origins of fabrics like cotton and wool, and were able to touch and explore both a cotton plant and some wool. Since then, they have been very curious about the fabrics around them. 

The teachers decided to take the class to Whim So Doodle, a locally-owned fabric and craft store in the Warehouse Arts District. They had many discussions beforehand about what they hoped to learn and what they’d like to make. The owner of Whim So Doodle, Ms. Orobello, welcomed the students to her shop and showed them around. They saw many types of cotton fabric and learned a little about quilts. Children helped with some shop work by tearing fabric and were thrilled to choose a fabric to take back to school for a new sewing project - placemats!

Back at school, the real fun began as the children put their newfound skills to work, stitching together personalized placemats. With a wide array of stitches at their disposal, each child embraced the opportunity to express their creativity.

With the finishing touches being put on their placemats, the children have already begun planning a special celebration, a “Fancy Lunch,” complete with handmade decorations, candles and tablecloths.

In sewing, the young Chargers have found not only a creative outlet but also a pathway to developing essential math, focus and motor skills while fostering a deeper appreciation for the world of textiles. 

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