DT: alien felt toys

Planning and resources to teach a D&T Unit for KS2 focused on sewing: creating stuffed felt toys in the shape of aliens.

The children will investigate stuffed cuddly toys and create their own design criteria. They will learn how to thread a needle and some specific sewing stitches, as well as how to create a template. They will then design and create a stuffed toy ‘alien’ to appeal to a younger child. Finally, they will evaluate their design using their design criteria.

This was taught to a mixed Year 4/5 class, but can easily be adapted for younger age groups by reducing the range of stitches taught and providing additional support with templates for the design and with cutting out. I have previously successfully taught a similar unit to a mixed Year 3/4 class, creating sea creatures as part of a Rivers and Oceans topic.

With thanks to Ceri Eccles (TeacherGlitter) who inspired me with her original ideas for sea creature stuffed toys.