## **Lesson Plan: Prevocational Studies – Primary 5**
**Topic: Damages Caused by Pests & Basic Stitches**
### **Objective:**
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Recognize various types of pests that cause damage to crops and stored produce.
2. Understand the impact of pests on agriculture and food supply.
3. Identify basic methods to control pests.
4. Learn and practice basic sewing stitches.
### **Materials Needed:**
- Pictures or charts of common pests (e.g., locusts, aphids, beetles, weevils)
- Samples of damaged crops (if available)
- Needles, thread, and fabric pieces
- Scissors
- Worksheets for notes and activities
### **Lesson Structure:**
#### **1. Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Greet students and introduce the lesson topic.
- Explain the importance of understanding pests and their management, as well as learning basic stitches for practical applications.
#### **2. Damages Caused by Pests (20 minutes)**
- **Discussion:**
- Show pictures or charts of common pests and ask students if they recognize any of them.
- Describe each pest briefly and explain how they damage crops or stored produce.
- Example pests: locusts (eat leaves), aphids (suck plant sap), beetles (bore into stems), and weevils (damage stored grains).
- **Activity:**
- Divide students into small groups and give each group a set of pictures of pests and crops. Have them match the pest to the damage they cause.
- **Interactive Q&A:**
- Ask students why it is important to manage these pests and what might happen if they are left uncontrolled.
#### **3. Controlling Pests (15 minutes)**
- Explain basic methods of pest control:
- **Cultural control:** Crop rotation, planting pest-resistant varieties.
- **Mechanical control:** Removing pests by hand, using traps.
- **Chemical control:** Pesticides (with a caution about overuse and safety).
- **Biological control:** Introducing natural predators (e.g., ladybugs for aphids).
- Allow students to discuss with a partner which method they think is the best and why.
#### **4. Basic Stitches (30 minutes)**
- **Demonstration:**
- Show students how to thread a needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread.
- Demonstrate basic stitches: Running stitch, backstitch, and whipstitch.
- Provide step-by-step instructions and show the stitches on a fabric piece.
- **Practice:**
- Distribute needles, thread, and fabric to each student.
- Guide students as they practice each stitch.
- Offer assistance and correct techniques as needed.
#### **5. Review and Wrap-Up (15 minutes)**
- **Review Questions:**
- What are some common pests and the damages they cause?
- Name two methods of controlling pests.
- What are the basic stitches we learned today?
- **Interactive Activity:**
- Have students pair up and test each other on the pest types and stitches.
- Check student work and provide feedback and encouragement.
- **Homework Assignment:**
- Ask students to draw and label a common pest and describe its damage.
- Practice their stitching at home and bring a small stitched piece to the next class.
### **Assessment:**
- Observe student participation in discussions and activities.
- Evaluate the accuracy of the pest damage matching activity.
- Check each student’s stitching practice and provide constructive feedback.
### **Closure:**
- Summarize the key points: Importance of pest management and basic stitches.
- Encourage students to share what they learned with their families and practice at home.
- Thank students for their participation and cooperation.
**End of Lesson Plan**