Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 11
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Garment Making
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Body Measurement: Principles And Essential Parts.
Topic: BODY MEASUREMENTS
Subject Matter: Practical measuring steps, Accurate measurement practice, Recording measurements

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define body measurements.
State the importance of taking accurate body measurements.
Identify common body parts for measurement in garment making.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the need for precision and carefulness in taking measurements.
Develop patience while practicing measurement techniques.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate the correct techniques for taking various body measurements.
Accurately take and record body measurements from a peer.

Work cooperatively with peers to take and record measurements.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Home Economics.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary School Garment Making.
Obe, E.N. (2018). Clothing and Textile for Senior Secondary Schools. Spectrum Books.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Measuring tape
Notebooks
Pencils
Chart showing different body measurement points
Sample garment (e.g., a simple dress or shirt)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how to take correct body measurements. This skill is important for creating well-fitting garments, which prevents waste of fabric and ensures customer satisfaction in the future.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have a basic understanding of measurements and the use of measuring tools from their primary school mathematics lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

BODY MEASUREMENTS

Definition of Body Measurements

Body measurements are the various dimensions of the human body taken at specific points. These measurements are essential for creating patterns and constructing garments that fit properly.

Importance of Accurate Body Measurements

Accurate body measurements are important for the following reasons:

They ensure that garments fit the wearer comfortably and correctly.
They prevent wastage of fabric and other materials.
They help in creating patterns that are true to size.
They lead to customer satisfaction and good garment finish.
They help in achieving professional results in garment construction.

Common Body Measurements Taken

The following are common body measurements taken for garment making:

Bust/Chest: Measured around the fullest part of the bust, with the tape measure passing under the armpits.
Waist: Measured around the natural waistline, usually the narrowest part of the torso.
Hip: Measured around the fullest part of the hips, typically about 7-9 inches below the natural waistline.
Shoulder Width: Measured from one shoulder bone to the other, across the back.
Back Length: Measured from the prominent bone at the base of the neck to the natural waistline.
Sleeve Length: Measured from the shoulder bone down to the desired length (e.g., elbow, wrist).
Armhole Depth: Measured from the shoulder bone down to the armpit level.
Neck Circumference: Measured around the base of the neck.
Dress/Skirt Length: Measured from the natural waistline down to the desired hemline.
Trouser/Skirt Waist: Measured around the desired waistline for trousers or skirts.
Trouser Length (Outseam): Measured from the desired waistline down to the ankle or floor, along the outside of the leg.
Trouser Length (Inseam): Measured from the crotch to the ankle or desired hemline, along the inside of the leg.

Practical Steps for Taking Body Measurements

The following are general steps for taking body measurements:

Ensure the person being measured stands erect and relaxed.
Use a flexible, non-stretchable measuring tape.
Do not pull the tape too tight or leave it too loose.
Take measurements over light clothing or undergarments.
Record each measurement immediately and accurately in a notebook.

Recording Body Measurements

Measurements should be recorded clearly and systematically in a notebook. It is helpful to label each measurement (e.g., “Bust: 36 inches”, “Waist: 28 inches”).

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then introduces the new topic, “Body Measurements,” by asking pupils why it is important for a tailor to know a person’s size before making clothes.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the new lesson and understand its relevance.

Step 2: Definition of Body Measurements

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines body measurements and explains their fundamental role in garment making, writing the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what body measurements are.

Step 3: Importance of Accurate Body Measurements

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on why it is important to take accurate body measurements, highlighting reasons such as good fit, material economy, and customer satisfaction. The teacher writes key points on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion and write down the points.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the value of precision in measuring.

Step 4: Common Body Measurements

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a chart showing different body measurement points and lists common measurements taken for garment making, pointing to their locations on the chart or a volunteer.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the chart, identify the points, and note down the common measurements.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and name various body measurements.

Step 5: Practical Measuring Steps (Teacher Demonstration)

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modeling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the correct procedure for taking specific body measurements (e.g., bust, waist, hip, length) using a volunteer pupil or a mannequin, emphasizing proper posture and tape placement.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully, asking questions for clarity.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the practical techniques for taking measurements.

Step 6: Accurate Measurement Practice (Pupils)

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into pairs and provides each pair with a measuring tape, notebook, and pencil. The teacher instructs them to practice taking and recording at least three different body measurements from each other, moving around to supervise and correct techniques.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively practice taking and recording measurements from their partners under the teacher’s guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils gain hands-on experience in taking and recording measurements accurately.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define body measurements.
State two reasons why accurate body measurements are important.
Mention three common body measurements taken for a dress.
Demonstrate how to measure the waist circumference.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of accurate measurements. The teacher assigns homework: “Practice taking measurements of family members and record them.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding and are encouraged to practice further.

Lesson Keywords

Body measurements – The various dimensions of the human body.
Accurate – Correct and precise.
Tape measure – A flexible ruler used for measuring.
Bust – The circumference around the fullest part of the chest.
Waist – The circumference around the natural waistline.
Hip – The circumference around the fullest part of the hips.
Length – The distance from one point to another, usually vertically.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp the concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to take more complex measurements or to identify potential errors in measurement. For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will provide additional one-on-one guidance during the practical session and simplify instructions.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that pupils understand the difference between taking measurements for different types of garments (e.g., a loose shirt versus a fitted skirt). Emphasize safety when using measuring tapes, especially around the neck. Encourage pupils to be respectful and professional when taking measurements from their peers.