About the Recipe
Our clothes are physical objects. But they also carry our memories and personal and family stories.
Have you ever wondered what the story is behind our clothes?
Perhaps you or a friend or family member has kept a clothing item that they no longer wear? Perhaps they own clothing that has a special meaning?
Let’s investigate the hidden narratives (stories) behind our clothes!
Ingredients
A friend or family member and their chosen item of clothing, shoes, or accessory.
Optional:
Recording device
The person you are interviewing can provide photos of them wearing their chosen clothing.
DESIGNED RESOURCES
You can use these resources digitally or printed:
Hidden Narratives Interview Activity Sheet
Hidden Narratives Reflection Sheet
Method
LET’S EXPLORE!
1. Introduce the activity - see the ‘About’ section.
2. Players need to find a friend or family member who they would like to interview and ask them if they are happy to be interviewed. This could be with you (the adult) or someone else.
The player’s friend or family member will need to choose and provide a clothing item, shoes or accessory that is important to them.
This item of clothing they choose could be:
-Something they wore to a special occasion or event or to celebrate a milestone.
-Something they have kept but no longer wear.
-Something they have owned for a very long time.
-Something that was given to them by another family member or friend.
-Something they love to wear very often.
But there are many other reasons why they might choose a clothing item!
3. Players interview their friend or family member about this clothing item. They need to have this clothing item in front of them while the player interviews them.
Players use the Hidden Narratives Interview Sheet for the questions to ask the friend/family member.
TIPS!
During the interview, they can either:
Write their answers down on the activity sheet straight away.
OR
Take notes first in a notebook. Afterwards, they can write their answers
on this sheet, either printed or digitally or on other paper.
These questions are just a guide.
As the players ask the interviewee the questions on the sheet, more questions will arise.
Encourage players to keep asking their own questions while they are conducting their interview.
Optional:
Players can record their interview. They can use a recording device so that they can rewatch or relisten to the interview afterwards. You (the adult) might need to help them record the interview.
Players can take photos or videos of the garment to document their interview.
4. Players use the Hidden Narratives Reflection Sheet after their interview to reflect on their discoveries.
LET’S KEEP COOKING!
Players can use these interview questions to explore one of their own clothing items. They can fill them out themselves, or have someone else interview them.