1. Primary: 'What Are Textiles' by Textiles Skills Centre on cademy.io

Description

Primary 1: ‘What are textiles?’

(ONLINE ON-DEMAND COURSE)

What this Course is About:

This is Resource 1 in a series of textile resources created for primary teachers.

The aim of this introductory course is to give pupils their first experience of textiles through a mix of fun, hands-on activities and creative learning. Pupils will explore what textiles are, why we use them, and how they are made, while also making links to everyday life, careers, and creativity.

The resource includes:

Practical activities (weaving, knitting, fabric investigations)

Worksheets and games to support learning

Spotlights on artists, designers, and careers in textiles

Cultural, cross curricular and sustainability links

Equipment needed and health & safety

Reflect and recall sheets to consolidate knowledge

By the end of this course, pupils will have developed a basic understanding of textiles and the role they play in our lives, as well as enjoyed creative opportunities to experiment and design with fabrics.

Resource Aims

Introduce pupils to textiles: What is a textile? What is a fabric? Why do we need fabrics?

Explore different types of fabrics, focusing on woven vs. knitted structures and their key differences.

Investigate natural and synthetic yarns, including their origins and properties.

Practical Activities

1: Uniform Label Investigation

Examine the labels on school uniforms.

Identify the fabrics used: Are they natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic

2: Hands-on Fabric Making

Try simple weaving and knitting activities to understand how fabrics are constructed

3: Space Suit Design Challenge

Design your own space suit.

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Who is this course for?

This resource is designed for any primary school teacher who would like to introduce pupils to textiles. While it is not curriculum-specific, the activities can be used to support both the Art & Design and Design & Technology curriculum, with a clear focus on textiles.

Key Notes for Teachers

Practice first: It’s recommended that teachers try out the activities themselves before delivering them in class.

Flexible use: The resources are designed in a sequence, but you can dip into them in any order depending on your pupils’ needs.

Timing: There are no strict time limits—teachers can choose to deliver a single activity, or take a resource through its full progression with a class.

Stage, not age: The resources are built on the principle of meeting pupils where they are in their learning journey. Teachers may wish to check pupils’ prior knowledge before starting.

What to Expect: The Resources

What Are Textiles-what is a fabric, where are they used, natural & synthetic fabrics

Practical activity-Design your own space suit-what fabrics does a space suit need?

Practical activity-looking at labels

Weaving & Knitting practical activities-

Rainbow Diamonds

Weaving with a paper plate

Weaving with a cardboard frame

Paper weaving - plain weave

Paper weaving - with ripped scraps

Paper weaving - basket weave

Paper weaving - twill weave

Finger knitting

Weaving Artists

Artists & designers of woven & knitted textiles

Games for learning

Reflect & Recall

Textiles Skills Centre

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1. Primary: 'What Are Textiles'

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