Part 1: Decoding the Treasure Map (The Pattern)

I Do (Educator Demonstrates): "This pattern envelope is like the cover of our map. It shows us a picture of the finished treasure! Inside are two important things: the instructions and the big, crinkly pattern paper. These giant paper shapes are our puzzle pieces. I'll show you the 'secret code' on them. This long arrow with two ends? It's the grainline arrow, and it's the most important rule on the map! It tells us which way to lay our piece on the fabric. These solid lines are the 'cut here' lines, and the dashed lines are where we'll sew later. These little triangles are called notches—they help us match our puzzle pieces up perfectly."

We Do (Guided Practice): "Let's look at the instruction sheet together. It shows us which puzzle pieces we need for the costume we want to make. Can you find the picture of the cape? Now, let's find the paper pattern piece that has the same number. Great! Now, can you point to the grainline arrow on that piece for me?" (Work together to identify the 2-3 pieces needed for the simple costume).

You Do (Independent Practice): "Your turn! Here are the paper scissors. I want you to carefully cut out the main cape piece from the big sheet of paper. Don't worry about being perfect, just cut around the outside of the shape."

Formative Check-in: "Awesome! Why do you think that grainline arrow is so important?" (Answer: It keeps the fabric from stretching weirdly and makes the costume hang nicely).

Part 2: Preparing the Fabric

I Do (Educator Demonstrates): "Before we use our map on the real fabric, we have to prepare it. Fabric can sometimes shrink when you wash it, so it's a good idea to wash it first. It also gets wrinkly! A wrinkly map leads to a wrinkly costume. With your help, I am going to carefully iron our fabric so it's perfectly flat and smooth. Safety first—the iron is very hot, so this is a grown-up's job." (Educator irons the fabric). "Now, I'll fold the fabric exactly how the pattern map tells us to, matching the finished edges, called 'selvages'."

We Do (Guided Practice): "Let's lay our folded fabric out on the big table. Can you help me smooth it out so there are no bumps? We need a perfectly flat surface for our pattern pieces. Great job! We are a super smoothing team."

You Do (Independent Practice): "Look at the layout diagram on our instruction sheet. It shows where the pattern pieces go. Can you place the cape piece on the fabric where you think it should go? Remember to look at the grainline arrow!"

Part 3: Pinning and Cutting!

I Do (Educator Demonstrates): "Now we need to anchor our map pieces to the fabric so they don't wiggle. We use pins for this. Watch how I place a pin: I push it through the paper and both layers of fabric, and then bring it back up, like a little dolphin jumping through the water. I'll make sure the grainline arrow is straight by measuring from the folded edge to each end of the arrow. Now for the most important rule: Safety First! These fabric scissors are super sharp and are ONLY for fabric. We always cut away from our body and keep our other hand far away from the blades." (Educator demonstrates cutting a small, simple piece).

We Do (Guided Practice): "Let's pin the big cape piece together. I'll put a pin in, then you put a pin in. Remember, little dolphin jumps! Let's make sure the edges are nice and flat. We're locking it in place!"

You Do (Independent Practice with Supervision): "Okay, your turn to be the expert cutter. With me right here watching and helping, I want you to slowly and carefully cut along the solid line of the pattern. Take your time, long smooth cuts are best. You've got this!" (Provide hand-over-hand guidance if needed, especially around curves).

Formative Check-in: Show a thumbs-up if you remember the number one safety rule for cutting. What is it?