Year 3 have been demonstrating fantastic resilience during their recent Design and Technology project, where they were challenged to design and make their own felt bookmarks.

The project began with a problem to solve. Many children are keen readers who enjoy getting absorbed in a good book, but it can be frustrating when reading time comes to an end and they cannot remember which page they need to return to. With this in mind, the children set about designing a bookmark that would be both practical and personal.

After creating their designs, the children carefully made rectangular felt bookmarks and used a running stitch to sew a decorative border around the edge. They then personalised their bookmarks with designs that reflected their own interests and personalities. Some children stitched their initials in their favourite colours, while others created flowers, footballs and a range of other creative designs.

Throughout the project, the children showed great perseverance as they learnt and applied new sewing skills. Threading needles and tying knots proved challenging at times, but the children supported one another brilliantly, helping their classmates and encouraging each other when tasks became difficult. They worked patiently and carefully to ensure all of their hard work stayed securely in place and produced bookmarks that they should be extremely proud of.

We would also like to say a huge thank you to the many parent volunteers who gave up their time to support the children during this project. Their help, encouragement and expertise were invaluable and played a significant part in making the project such a success.

This week, any children who have not yet finished their bookmarks will have the opportunity to complete them before evaluating their final products. They will reflect on how successfully their bookmark met its purpose, what went well during the making process and what improvements they might make if they were to create a similar product in the future.

The learning will not stop there. In English lessons this week, the children will use their first-hand experience of making a felt bookmark to write a clear set of instructions. They will think carefully about the equipment needed and the order of each step so that somebody else can follow their instructions and make a bookmark of their own at home. This will give the children a real purpose for their writing and an opportunity to share their newly acquired sewing skills with others.