Flying kites

Prep

• Decide on what materials will be used for the kite and how to collect the materials. 
• It would be helpful to make a kite for yourself before doing it with the learners.

Steps in the activity

1. Move with the wind
2. Make kites
3. Fly kites

Step 1: Move like the wind

1. Introduce the movement game “Move like the wind” where the learners pretend to be wind and grass/straw moved by the wind. 
2. Ask learners to form pairs with one learner being the wind and one being grass/straw. The Grass will start standing upright, with their arms relaxed at their sides. The Wind will then, using only one hand, gently move the Grass’s body. The Grass will follow along with the gentle pressure, and as soon as the Wind releases, the Grass will softly return to its upright, relaxed position. 
3. Show how the game works with a volunteer. For example: the Wind might gently lift the Grass’ arm; push the side of one shoulder, making the body bend sidewards; push in the hollow of the knee; push on a hip from the front or from the back; or push at different points along the spine. Experiment (gently) with speed, level of pressure, how quickly you release the pressure, etc.
4. Establish the rules of the game and share them with learners. The rules are the following:
   1. No talking
   2. The Grass cannot move its feet (just like plants cannot move their roots). The Wind is free to move around.
   3. The Wind doesn’t push if they encounter resistance, and they don’t touch the head, or any other body parts that are off-limits or where the Grass does not want to be touched. 
   4. Both Wind and Grass are free to walk away/stop the exercise at any point if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Remind the learners to take responsibility for their own body and boundaries.
5. After around 30-60 seconds you ask the learners to switch roles, and they get another 30-60 seconds to play with the movement. 

Steps 2: Make kites

1. Start by asking the learners how they think they can make a kite out of sustainable materials. Use this opportunity to highlight that there are many ways to be sustainable and to make a kite. Examples of different ways to make a kite out of sustainable materials:
   1. Basic: Up-cycled paper Kite
   2. Intermediate: Up-cycled plastic kite
   3. Advanced: Leaf kite

2. Decide on what kind of materials to use. The easy option is for the teacher to decide on the materials and have everyone make their kites the same way. The advanced and more creative option is to let the learners work in groups and have the groups choose what materials they want to use. This requires more sessions, time and preparation.
3. Ask the learners what skills are needed to make a kite. You could mention patience, commitment and precision, if those are not mentioned. 
4. Hand out or ask the learners to collect their materials, depending on what type of kite you decided upon. If they are collecting their own material at home (up-cycling) or in nature (leaves, sticks), you need to make time for this and plan to make the kite later on.
5. Making the kite will look different depending on the way of making kites that you chose. See tutorial videos above to learn more. One way to incorporate math is to talk about the shape of the kite (diamond, square) and give learners precise measurements to use when making the kite.
6. Ask the learners what type of weather they think their kite needs to fly well. A small leaf or paper kite will probably do well in less wind than a larger plastic bag kite made with sticks, for example.

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In the making! Learners using recycled plastic and wooden sticks to create their kites. Photo by Sierra de Lew, REAL School Budapest.

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Step 3: Fly kites

1. Go to a suitable place and fly the kites when the weather is optimal. 
2. Ask the learners to reflect on the experience of flying kites. Prompts:
   1. How did it feel to fly the kite?
   2. What does the kite mean/resemble to you?
   3. What does it mean historically/to others? (ex: peace)
   4. How is it possible for the kite to fly?
   5. How will the winds change with climate change? (ex: more extreme weather and storms)

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With their kites ready, learners enjoyed flying them on a perfectly windy day. Photo by Sierra de Lew, REAL School Budapest.

Dos and Don’ts

Do

• If your learners at the moment are easily stressed or frustrated, you can choose more solid materials to avoid frustration over repeatedly broken/teared materials.

Adaptations

If touch/pushing is not suitable for your group of learners, you can instead use this movement activity:

• Instead of the learners using their bodies/hands to be the wind and touching others, they will stand a little more separated and just act out the wind blowing in specific directions and how the grass will respond to the wind.

We invite you to adapt this activity to the specific needs of your learners, including by taking into account their neurodiversity. When adapting tools and activities for neurodivergent learners, please note it is not about treating others how you want to be treated, but how they want to be treated. Ask, listen, and stay open to different ways of learning and engaging. 

References

This activity was designed by Climate Creativity.

Risnanosanti, R., Ristontowi, R., & Ramadianti, W. (2024, January 31). Mathematics concepts in making kites as a tool in Ethno-STEM based learning. International Journal of STEM Education for Sustainability. https://journal.gmpionline.com/index.php/ijses/article/view/301/234