Who says playing around doesn’t include learning? How is it that something that is heavier than air can fly? Kites are a great way to explore science, art, history… Kites must be important, after all there are museums about kites and even an Android app for your phone!
It is not certain where kites came from, but people of the South Sea Islands used to use them to fish. They attached bait to the tail of the kite and a web to catch the fish. Many people think kites may have originated in China or Japan.
A super history lesson can be based on the origination of the kite. Science can definitely be worked in while you learn about drag, lift, pull.. and more. Art plays into the lessons by decorating the kite you build. Even literature can be explored while learning about kites as you read myths about where kites came from. You can also have your child write a poem on a kite shape.
Little kids can work on developing their scissor skills, cutting and pasting technique, art embellishments, paper folding, design ideas…as they build paper kites.
Kite building for older kids can demonstrate basic aerodynamic principles such as the aerofoil and the dihedral, and factors affecting stability of flight. Science and kites just go together like peanut butter and jelly. Although you don’t have to know about aerodynamics to fly a kite, it can help you control your kite if you do.