Kite Progression

Monday, students were sent to their various classes in accordance with their registration requests. For the kites class, I first met with students from stages 1-3 (similar to 1st-3rd grade) for 90 minutes followed by a second group of upper primary stages 4-6.

First, they measure kite string, 45 and 25 inches, attaching them to make 4 triangular faces, resulting in a tetrahedron, learning that "tetra" means four and hedron indicates that it has faces (or seats)... Greek.

In partners, students built 4 tetrahedrons using kite string and straws (compliments of the McDonald's restaurant of Arlington, VA). Then then folded tissue paper and trace a pre-made stencil with precision, cutting out a shape that would serve as a covering for two faces of each of the 4 tetrahedron.

Tetrahedron faces were then painted with temperas using leaves, yarn or fingers, avoiding course contact that would potentially tear the thin tissue paper.

After the paint designs were dry, students places each of the 4 tetrahedrons with faces in the same direction, then fastened them together, forming a base of 3 with one on top.

A bridal was then made by measuring string and centering 2 strings, tying a small loop into one, from which the kite will be pulled.

Lastly, a 3-foot (approx.) tail was made, using thin gift-wrap ribbon, with 4 pieces of tissue paper knotted along the ribbon to create bowes and slightly add more weight to give the kite lift and direction.