Andy Ocampo

The Shoe Maker Time-Machine

Age: For children from grades 1 to 6.

Objective of the game: Through playing, children will create their own pair of shoes using  an available set of precut materials and accessories, and learn at the same about the history of shoe parts, shapes, materials, decorations, etc.

Learning Plan: Every part of a shoe comes with a piece of history. From the choosing of materials, laces or clips, accessories and decoration, to how is built and put together. Along with its story of beginning and current uses for a particular type of shoe. 

The Game

  

(The following are a set of predesign patterns that can be 3d printed or lasercut to be used in the game. A package can be created where children can choose parts, from the base of their shoes, precut materials, to laces, patterns, stamps, and other decorative materials) 

Choose a plant for your shoes

  

Did you know? 

The following were the only available materials before the invention of machines:

- Animal skin

- Leaves of Plants and Trees.

- Rocks and Wood 

Time to Choose the Material for Your Shoes

  

What kind of material are your shoes made of? 

(Invite children to come up with the materials they know, and then present the history part of materials for shoes)

Let's Make Them!

Should we sew them by hand, or in a sewing machine?

(History of hand made shoes vs machine made shoes is presented)

Note: the sewing machine here is representational. Stickers with the image of a sewing machine may suffice.

Accessorize Them!

Did you know we can accessorize and decorate your shoes in any way we want today. But there was a time and a place where decorating our shoes was forbidden? 

(Intro to history of designs and decoration in shoes) 

(When the shoes are done, the facilitator can show the children how 

handmade shoes and machine-made shoes looked like in a specific period of time.)

The Project Plan Proposal:

Project: My project idea goes around the subject of learning through play. I designed a game through which kids will participate and learn about the history of shoes, materials, accessories, and even how they were/are made.

Game's Name: The Shoe Making Time-Machine

Location in the museum: This game would be a great introduction to the museum, because it will introduce kids to basic principles behind the history of shoe-wearing and shoe-making in different eras. 

Age/Grade range: The game is thought for children in grades from 4 to 6, but the nature of this game allows people of all ages not only to engage but also ignite their curiosity to learn all about the history of shoes. 

Challenges: The challenges that may present are related to engagement and attention from the participant children, though the nature and physicality of the game itself may reduce it significantly. 

Interpretive Pedagogy: By integrating play as the essence of this lesson plan, in addition to incorporating materials, and learning through playing, we can guarantee an increasing of participation, leaving a memorable moment in their learning experiences from a more free and individual approach.