Stitching Stuffies

This lesson plan connects hands-on repair of stuffed toys with lessons in environmental sustainability. Students learn about the impact of consumerism on resources while developing practical sewing skills, making the learning experience both fun and educational.

Materials include a complete lesson plan, workshop guide, best practices, lessons learned, sample promotional materials and parent waivers. 

Access — Stitching Stuffies

Age — 1st - 4th grade (ages 6 - 10)
Cost — Free


Source — WNC Repair Cafe, North Carolina, USA

A 15-minute lesson plan introduces repair in the context of environmental sustainability.  Children will connect concepts such as manufacturing and distribution of goods to energy use, and learn how repairing helps prevent further use of natural resources.  Following the lesson, children participate in the repair of their own stuffed animals, which they can then take home.  Children will have a daily reminder of their ability to improve their material world, fostering a potential direct connection to positive environmental outcomes and improved self-esteem.

Workshops were developed by WNC Repair Cafe, in collaboration with two Buncombe County, NC public libraries.

CRP Grantee. For more information about the program, see the Final Report HERE.


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