How to Make Kites With Children

Kites are a craft with a rich history.

According to American Kitefliers Association, kites were first mentioned in 200 B.C. when Chinese General Han Hsin flew a kite over a city wall to measure its distance. Later in the 13th century, Marco Polo brought the kite to Europe. Make a simple kite with children by using printer paper. Children can work on the craft by themselves and then fly it outside with kite string.

Things You'll Need

• 8 1/2-by-11-inch colored printer paper
• Ruler
• Pencil
• 40 inches of bridle kite string
• Kite string on winder
• Newspaper
• Scissors
• Tape

Instructions

1. Arrange the paper so it is horizontal on your table. Fold the 8 1/2-by-11-inch colored printer paper in half so the short sides meet. The printer paper is the base for the kids kite. Open up the paper revealing a center crease.

2. Fold the left side of the paper to the center crease. Fold the right side of the paper to the center crease.

3. Fold the left opening edge of the paper back on itself so it meets the left fold. Fold the right opening edge of the paper back on itself so it meets the right fold. This is the basic paper kite.

4. Measure 2 inches down on either side of the kite with a ruler. Mark the 2 inches with a pencil. This is where the bridle string attaches to the kite.

5. Punch out small holes with the tip of your pencil on the kite where you made your pencil markings. Be sure it is about 1 inch from the edge of the paper.

6. Tie a free end of the 40-inch bridle string to one hole. Make a double knot. With the free end of the bridle kite string, make a double knot with the other kite hole. Pull up the bridle string with your finger. Tie another knot in the center of the bridle string and be sure to form a loop on the tail of the knot to attach the kite string with winder.

7. Thread the kite flying string on a winder through the center loop of the bridle string. Tie a double knot. Use scissors to cut a kite tail from newspaper that is 2-by-60-inches. Attach the tail pieces of newspaper together with tape.

8. Attach the tail to the kite at the opposite end of the bridle with tape. Fly the kite with the open part of the kite facing down.

Tips & Warnings

• Party streamer paper can be used as a kite tail instead of newspaper.

• Sewing thread can be used for bridle and kite string.

References

• Hi Fly Kites: DIY Paper Fold Daves' Sled Kite
• All Free Crafts: 20 Kites in 20
• National Kite Month: Kite History

Resources

• China Kite Online: Weifang International Kite Festival