We also had to figure out another activity for our 3rd grade class (to see about the first field trip, click here). We had discussed that next year we’d like to find a factory that they could visit to learn how something is made because that relates with their educational goals. Well, it just so happens that my hubby runs 3 factories, 2 of them just around the corner from our school.
I suggested the idea of visiting the AIM Factories with our team and they all thought it sounded like a good possibility. Right away, I pitched the idea to Floyd. I thought it would be great for our students to see something right where they live and to see how things are made that they use: clothes, jewelry, bags, etc. I also thought it could be fun for the ladies working in the factory. Often times there is a negative feeling about being a factory worker, as if it’s a lower job or less respectful. Having the kids come in to see their work and learn from them could be a good boost in their pride for their work.
Floyd and I discussed several options of how the field trip could go and what we could do that would make it last longer than 20 minutes. We looked through the list of jewelry designs searching for a low cost option that was simple enough for a few ladies to teach our students. Eventually we came to the idea that the kids would leave with a medium sized zipper bag (similar to a bag you might fill with pencils, make-up, or any other collection of items).
We would pre-order the number of bags that we would need and the ladies in the factory would have them made before the day of the field trip. We would separate the kids into two groups to make it easier and bring them to the factory at different times. Floyd and the ATC Manager were our hosts who welcomed us and took us from one station to the next. At each station, the manager of that department would welcome the kids and tell all about what happened in that part of the factory.
Since we have 2 factories with multiple departments, the kids got to learn a lot. The first factory is where they put together various parts to make a finished product. For example, on that particular day, they were making sweaters. They had received different pieces that had to be put together. This factory actually does work for another company. The finished clothes are sent back to the company who then sells them at various stores in the US and other places.
The second factory had multiple departments. First, they saw the sewing department where t-shirts, polos, tote bags, and other items are made from scratch. Secondly, they saw the screen printing department. They got to see how the designs are made on a computer, the screens are made in a dark room, and, finally, how the screens are actually put onto the items. Third, they got to see the department that makes jewelry. This department is on the top floor and there is a loft that looks onto the sewing and screen printing departments. From there, they had a question and answer session before the big finale.
After all their touring, they went back to the screen room. Each child was put in front of a station where a canvas zipper bag was already correctly placed. The ladies who work in this department showed one example and then moved from one child to the next to assist them in screen printing their very own bag. Even the adults got to give it a try!
To end our morning, we went back to the school with our zipper bags and headed to the open air activity room. We had acrylic paints for everyone to personalize their bags.
Here's the original before screen printing and after:
And here are some of the kids' embellishments.
Overall, it was a great trip. Even some of the staff reflected on how much they learned. Everyone had a new appreciation for all the work that goes into something as common as making a t-shirt with a design on it. They also appreciated that they got to leave the field trip with something tangible that they could actually use. The ladies in the factory seemed to really enjoy the visitors. They giggled several times as the kids showed excitement or surprise at what they saw. The managers also got the opportunity to share what they do with all these young ones and they seemed to be standing a little taller. A week later, I got to deliver thank you posters from the kids.
We’re thinking this might become an annual field trip for third grade.
I suggested the idea of visiting the AIM Factories with our team and they all thought it sounded like a good possibility. Right away, I pitched the idea to Floyd. I thought it would be great for our students to see something right where they live and to see how things are made that they use: clothes, jewelry, bags, etc. I also thought it could be fun for the ladies working in the factory. Often times there is a negative feeling about being a factory worker, as if it’s a lower job or less respectful. Having the kids come in to see their work and learn from them could be a good boost in their pride for their work.
Floyd and I discussed several options of how the field trip could go and what we could do that would make it last longer than 20 minutes. We looked through the list of jewelry designs searching for a low cost option that was simple enough for a few ladies to teach our students. Eventually we came to the idea that the kids would leave with a medium sized zipper bag (similar to a bag you might fill with pencils, make-up, or any other collection of items).
We would pre-order the number of bags that we would need and the ladies in the factory would have them made before the day of the field trip. We would separate the kids into two groups to make it easier and bring them to the factory at different times. Floyd and the ATC Manager were our hosts who welcomed us and took us from one station to the next. At each station, the manager of that department would welcome the kids and tell all about what happened in that part of the factory.
Since we have 2 factories with multiple departments, the kids got to learn a lot. The first factory is where they put together various parts to make a finished product. For example, on that particular day, they were making sweaters. They had received different pieces that had to be put together. This factory actually does work for another company. The finished clothes are sent back to the company who then sells them at various stores in the US and other places.
The second factory had multiple departments. First, they saw the sewing department where t-shirts, polos, tote bags, and other items are made from scratch. Secondly, they saw the screen printing department. They got to see how the designs are made on a computer, the screens are made in a dark room, and, finally, how the screens are actually put onto the items. Third, they got to see the department that makes jewelry. This department is on the top floor and there is a loft that looks onto the sewing and screen printing departments. From there, they had a question and answer session before the big finale.
After all their touring, they went back to the screen room. Each child was put in front of a station where a canvas zipper bag was already correctly placed. The ladies who work in this department showed one example and then moved from one child to the next to assist them in screen printing their very own bag. Even the adults got to give it a try!
To end our morning, we went back to the school with our zipper bags and headed to the open air activity room. We had acrylic paints for everyone to personalize their bags.
Here's the original before screen printing and after:
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