1
From a plant to a T-shirt
Discover Term 2: Axis 3, Chapter 1
GoalPut the steps of making a T-shirt in order, and say what we can do with clothes we have outgrown.
New words
step · one part of making something, done in ordercotton · a soft white plant material used for cloth
Explanation
Many things are made in steps. Here are the steps for a cotton T-shirt. First, the cotton plant grows in a field. Next, farmers pick the soft white cotton. Then the cotton is spun into thread, and the thread is woven into cloth. Last, the cloth is cut and sewn into a T-shirt. When a T-shirt is too small, we do not need to throw it away. We can give it to a cousin or a friend, or we can send it to be recycled.
Worked examples
A farmer grows cotton in a field. This is the first step.
A tailor cuts the cloth with scissors and sews it.
We use the words first, next, then and last to put steps in order.
Class activity
Act the steps: with a grown-up, act out the T-shirt steps. Grow like a little plant, pick cotton, twist your hands to spin, weave your arms, snip with your fingers and sew with a needle in the air. Then draw four boxes and put the steps in order.
Practice
1
What comes first when we make a cotton T-shirt?
The cotton plant grows.
2
What is made from thread?
Cloth.
3
Put in order: sew the shirt, grow cotton, spin thread.
Grow cotton, spin thread, sew the shirt.
4
Which picture shows the last step?
A, the T-shirt.
5
Your T-shirt is too small. Name one good thing to do with it.
Give it to a cousin or friend, or recycle it.