The War Years

Topics Year 2/3
This unit is part of British Clothing 1066 to Present Day The History of British Clothing

Objectives

Design and Technology

  • Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks accurately.

History

  • Study an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066.
  • Study changes in an aspect of social history such as clothing.
  • Construct informed responses that involve thoughtful selection and organisation of relevant historical information.

Lesson Planning

Explore the early 20th Century and how the two world wars affected the way people dressed in a time when materials were scarce.

Teaching Outcomes:

  • To alter a pair of ‘old’ trousers into ‘short trousers’ by carefully measuring, cutting and stitching.
  • To understand the great changes that happened during the first half of the 20th century and consider how this impacted the clothing choices made by the people of Britain.

Children will:

  • Know what life was like in Britain at this time and what key social aspects had changed since the last era studied.
  • Understand that the two world wars greatly influenced the style, colour and clothing design choices during this period.
  • Understand the idea of ‘make do and mend’.
  • Work with a partner to make a pair of ‘short trousers’ from a pair of outgrown trousers.

You Will Need

  • Old trousers
  • Needles
  • Thread
  • Sharp sewing scissors
  • Iron (use by adults only)