Most people know what size they wear. And when they grow out of old clothes, they just buy the next larger size. But where do sizes come from? In this lesson, students will use measurement to determine how to choose sizes when ordering from a catalog, and to investigate if clothing sizes are standard throughout the United States and the world.
Read the book Jim and the Beanstalk by Raymond Briggs, a variation of the familiar Jack and the Beanstalk. In this amusing story, Jim helps the giant by measuring him for new glasses, teeth, and hair. After the story, ask, "How many of you know what size clothing you wear?" Allow a brief sharing of information, and then let students know they will be learning about where sizes come from.
In pairs, have students record estimates of their heights, chests, waists, and hips on the My Own Measurements activity sheet.
Then, have students use measuring tapes to find the actual measurements. Prior to doing so, however, you may want to discuss how to measure. For instance, lead students to suggest that height is best measured if the person is standing barefoot against a wall. Further, you may need to explain that chest measurements are taken under the armpits, around the highest part of the chest and across the shoulder blades. (Note that older students may be uncomfortable measuring each other. As a modification, this activity can be done using lower grade buddy classes, so that a much younger student is paired with an older student. Another alternative is to omit chest measurements from this activity or substitute a different measurement, such as feet or head.) The image to the right shows that the waist should be measured by placing a tape measure around the midsection so it crosses in front of the belly button.
Students should record their measurements on the activity sheet. Have students compare their estimates to the actual measurements, and then have them compare their actual measurements to a sizing chart. You may also want to have students compare their measurements to charts they find in mail order catalogs or on web sites. Most online retailers, such as L.L. Bean, Land’s End, and J. Crew, have online sizing charts. An interesting discussion may result from comparing sizing charts, as different companies often use different guidelines.
(You may use others, too, especially if local stores have web sites with similar information. But to avoid interruptions during the lesson, be sure to preview any sites before using them in the classroom.)
Circulate as students are working, assisting and redirecting if necessary. Ask the following questions:
- What are you finding out about clothing sizes? About your size?
- What problems are you encountering?
When at least half the class has completed and recorded their measurements, gather the whole group together. Explain that they will have six minutes to work with a different partner to compare their data. (Students will likely do this anyway, so it’s good to schedule time for it during the lesson.) As students discuss, they should look for similarities and differences, and they should share any insights they had during the activity. You may wish to model this by having a discussion about measurements with one student while the whole class listens.
Should students finish before six minutes have passed, they can find a new partner and repeat the task. During student discussions, circulate and take anecdotal notes about which students are interested, on-task, and participating at a high level.
Again convene the whole group. Allow students to share their thoughts, especially around the following questions:
- What patterns exist in the sizing charts?
- Who had measurements that fit two or more sizes within a chart? What should that person do if ordering from a company?
- Do you think these numbers are standard throughout the country? Do you think they are the same from store to store? What about in other countries?
- Why do you think that some companies number their clothing sizes while others use words like small, medium, and large?
To conclude the lesson, distribute the Clothing Sizes activity sheet.
Students can work on the activity sheet during class, or they can complete it as homework. Alternatively, you can have students complete one of the activities listed in the Assessment Options section below.
