Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 8
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Clothing and Textiles
Curriculum Theme: Clothing and Textiles
Previous Lesson: General Safety Precautions in Clothing and Textiles.
Topic: ESSENTIALS OF GARMENT CONSTRUCTION
Subject Matter: Basic body measurement, study of figure types, influence of figure types on selection of styles

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define basic body measurement.
Identify different figure types.
State how figure types influence the selection of styles.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of accurate body measurements in garment construction.
Value selecting styles that flatter different figure types.

Psychomotor Domain:

Take basic body measurements accurately.
Select appropriate garment styles for various figure types.

Collaborate with peers to practice taking body measurements.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Senior Secondary Schools.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools.
Clothing and Textile for Senior Secondary Schools by A. O. Oladimeji.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Measuring tape.
Pictures of various garment styles.
Pictures illustrating different figure types.
Sample garments.
Pencil and paper.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the foundation of creating well-fitting garments and choosing flattering styles. It enables them to take accurate body measurements and select clothing designs that suit different body shapes, which is important for personal appearance and for a career in fashion.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of different parts of the body and may have observed adults taking measurements or selecting clothes.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

ESSENTIALS OF GARMENT CONSTRUCTION

Basic Body Measurement

Basic body measurement refers to the process of taking accurate dimensions of the human body for the purpose of garment construction or selection. Accurate measurements are important for achieving a good fit.

Important points to note when taking body measurements:

Wear close-fitting undergarments.
Stand upright and relaxed.
Use a flexible measuring tape.
Do not pull the tape too tight or leave it too loose.
Record measurements accurately.

Common body measurements include:

Bust/Chest: Around the fullest part of the bust, across the shoulder blades.
Waist: Around the natural waistline, usually the narrowest part of the torso.
Hip: Around the fullest part of the hips and buttocks.
Shoulder: From the neck point to the shoulder bone.
Arm Length: From the shoulder bone to the wrist, with the arm slightly bent.
Back Length: From the prominent bone at the back of the neck to the natural waistline.
Skirt Length: From the natural waistline to the desired hemline.

Figure Types

Figure types refer to the natural shape or silhouette of an individual’s body. Understanding figure types helps in selecting styles that enhance one’s appearance.

Common figure types include:

Hourglass: Balanced bust and hip measurements with a defined waist.
Rectangle (Straight): Bust, waist, and hip measurements are fairly similar, with little waist definition.
Triangle (Pear): Hips are wider than the bust and shoulders.
Inverted Triangle (Apple): Shoulders or bust are wider than the hips.
Oval (Round): Fuller in the middle, with less defined waist, and often slender limbs.

Influence of Figure Types on Selection of Styles

The choice of garment styles should complement the figure type to create a balanced and pleasing look. Styles can be used to emphasize desirable features or minimize less desired ones.

General principles for style selection:

To emphasize a feature: Use details like ruffles, gathers, bright colours, or patterns on that area.
To minimize a feature: Use simple lines, dark colours, or avoid drawing attention to that area.
To create an illusion of length: Use vertical lines, V-necks, or monochromatic outfits.
To create an illusion of width: Use horizontal lines, boat necks, or full sleeves.

Examples for specific figure types:

Hourglass: Styles that highlight the waist, such as fitted dresses, wrap dresses, and belted tops.
Rectangle: Styles that create curves and waist definition, like empire waists, ruched tops, and A-line skirts.
Triangle: Styles that add volume to the upper body and skim over the hips, such as boat necks, off-shoulder tops, and A-line skirts.
Inverted Triangle: Styles that add volume to the lower body and minimize the upper body, such as V-necks, full skirts, and wide-leg trousers.
Oval: Styles that create vertical lines and skim the body, such as empire waist tops, shift dresses, and straight-leg trousers.

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 asks them if they have ever bought clothes that did not fit well or if they know why people take measurements before sewing. The teacher introduces the topic by explaining that understanding body measurements and figure types is essential for making and selecting well-fitting clothes.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and understand its relevance.

Step 2: Explanation of Basic Body Measurement

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what basic body measurement is and its importance. Using a measuring tape and a volunteer pupil, the teacher demonstrates how to take key body measurements (bust, waist, hip, shoulder, arm length, back length) while emphasizing the points to note for accuracy. The teacher writes key points on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, ask questions, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the definition and practical steps for taking accurate body measurements.

Step 3: Pupils Practice Taking Measurements

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 (if available) or supervises closely as they practice taking each other’s measurements. The teacher moves around to provide guidance and correct techniques.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice taking basic body measurements on their partners under the teacher’s supervision.
Learning Point: Pupils gain hands-on experience and develop the skill of taking body measurements.

Step 4: Study of Figure Types

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays pictures illustrating different figure types (hourglass, rectangle, triangle, inverted triangle, oval). The teacher explains the characteristics of each figure type and leads a discussion on how to identify them.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the pictures, identify the figure types, and participate in the discussion.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to identify and understand the characteristics of various figure types.

Step 5: Influence of Figure Types on Selection of Styles

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains how understanding figure types helps in selecting appropriate garment styles. Using pictures of various styles, the teacher discusses general principles for style selection and provides examples of styles that would flatter different figure types.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the pictures and listen to the explanations, connecting figure types to suitable styles.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to select garment styles that complement different body shapes.

Step 6: Discussion and Clarification

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Question and Answer
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher opens the floor for questions and clarifications from the pupils on any aspect of body measurements, figure types, or style selection. The teacher addresses all questions to ensure understanding.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils ask questions and seek clarification on points they do not fully understand.
Learning Point: Pupils have their queries addressed and deepen their understanding of the lesson.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Define basic body measurement.
Mention three important points to consider when taking body measurements.
List three common body measurements.
Identify two different figure types.
Explain how a triangle figure type can select styles to flatter their shape.

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 learning points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of accurate measurements and thoughtful style selection. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw and label three different figure types, and for each, suggest two suitable garment styles.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils recall the main aspects of the lesson and are given an opportunity to reinforce their learning.

Lesson Keywords

Body measurement – Taking accurate dimensions of the body for garment construction.
Figure types – Natural shapes or silhouettes of the human body.
Garment construction – The process of making clothes.
Style selection – Choosing clothing designs that suit an individual’s figure and preferences.
Bust – Measurement around the fullest part of the chest.
Waist – Measurement around the narrowest part of the torso.
Hip – Measurement around the fullest part of the lower body.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be tasked with researching more specific style recommendations for each figure type or exploring how fabric choice influences the look on different figures. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide additional one-on-one guidance during practical measurement sessions and simplify explanations using more visual aids and direct examples.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure you have actual measuring tapes for the practical session, ideally one for every two pupils. If not, manage the class by rotating the use of available tapes. Encourage pupils to be respectful and professional while taking measurements from their peers. Emphasize that all body types are beautiful and the goal is to choose clothes that make one feel confident and comfortable.