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Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Activities
Sole Stories Launch - Begin the project with a 'Sole Stories' session where students interview family members or community elders about the cultural significance of footwear in their lives. Each student will then share these stories in a storytelling circle, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. (45 min)
Introduction to Shoe Design - Introduce students to the basics of shoe design, including the significance of cultural influences on design choices. Discuss the essential question: 'How do cultural influences shape the design and purpose of footwear across different communities?' (20 min)
Exploring Materials and Techniques - Provide an overview of different materials and techniques used in shoe making, highlighting how these choices reflect cultural considerations and functionality. (25 min)
Sketching Shoe Concepts - Students sketch initial shoe design concepts inspired by their 'Sole Stories' insights and cultural influences. Encourage creativity and innovation in their designs. (25 min)
Peer Feedback on Sketches - Facilitate a session where students share their sketches with peers, providing and receiving constructive feedback to refine their design ideas. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Documented 'Sole Stories' in student journals.
2. Participation in the storytelling circle, sharing insights and reflections.
3. Initial shoe design sketches that incorporate cultural elements.
Preparation 1. Arrange interviews with culturally diverse family members or community elders for 'Sole Stories'.
2. Prepare a comfortable and inclusive space for the storytelling circle to encourage open sharing.
3. Coordinate with a local shoe designer or cobbler to conduct an engaging workshop on shoe design, including necessary materials and tools.
4. Provide sketchbooks and art supplies for students to draft their initial shoe designs.
Week 2
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Activities
Refining Shoe Designs - Students refine their shoe prototypes based on feedback received in the previous week, focusing on cultural relevance, innovation, and functionality. (25 min)
Mid-Project Feedback Session with Shoe Designer - Students present their refined designs to a local shoe designer or cobbler for expert feedback, gaining insights into potential improvements. (20 min)
Prototype Construction - Begin constructing shoe prototypes using selected materials and techniques. Students apply craftsmanship skills and cultural design elements discussed with the shoe designer. (45 min)
Peer Review and Reflection - Conduct a peer review session where students evaluate each other's prototypes using a rubric, offering constructive feedback focused on cultural relevance and design functionality. (25 min)
Preparing for Shoe Showcase - Students prepare presentations for the upcoming Shoe Showcase, practicing effective communication to articulate their design process and cultural insights. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Completed shoe prototypes that incorporate cultural influences and innovative design concepts.
2. Compilation of 'Sole Stories' narratives, reflecting the cultural significance of footwear shared by family and community members.
3. Participation in a mid-project feedback session with the shoe designer or cobbler, incorporating expert advice into design revisions.
4. Peer reviews of classmates' shoe prototypes, using the provided rubric to give constructive feedback.
5. Participation in the Shoe Showcase event, presenting prototypes and narratives to family, friends, and community members.
6. Reflection notes from the reflection circle, discussing design choices and cultural influences, and incorporating peer feedback.
Preparation 1. Gather and organize materials for shoe prototype creation, including fabric, leather, recycled materials, glue, sewing kits, scissors, and measuring tools.
2. Coordinate with the local shoe designer or cobbler for the mid-project feedback session, and ensure they have access to student designs ahead of time.
3. Prepare the classroom space for the Shoe Showcase event, including display tables, name tags, and signage.
4. Create a peer review rubric focusing on cultural relevance, innovation, and functionality of shoe designs.
5. Prepare reflection circle materials such as discussion prompts and feedback forms.
6. Ensure technology is ready for students to compile and present 'Sole Stories' narratives.