What we will learn

• Names of simple materials we need
• How to make a kite step by step
• How to fly a kite safely

Materials (Materials you can find in Kenya)

• Paper (old newspaper or brown wrap paper)
• Two thin sticks (bamboo or light wooden skewers)
• String or twine
• Glue or sticky tape
• Scissors (ask an adult to help)
• Colour pens, crayons or paint to decorate

Steps — Make your kite

1. Ask an adult to help cut the paper into a diamond shape (like a big kite shape).
2. Lay two sticks in a cross: one vertical and one horizontal. Tie them together in the middle with string.
3. Place the sticks on the paper, with the top and bottom points of the diamond matching the ends of the sticks.
4. Fold the paper over the sticks and tape or glue the edges so the sticks stay inside the kite.
5. Tie a string at the middle where the sticks cross. This is your flying string point.
6. Make a tail: tie little pieces of cloth or paper every 10–15 cm along a long string and attach to the bottom point of the kite.
7. Decorate your kite with bright colours, patterns, or a smiling face!

Simple kite picture (try this at home)

Safety rules (very important)

• Always ask an adult to cut and tie for you.
• Fly kites in open places: school field, village park, or beach (Mombasa, Malindi — places with open wind).
• Do not fly kites near trees, power lines, or roads.
• Never use metal wires on kites — they are dangerous.
• When it is windy, keep a safe distance from others so you don't hurt anyone.

Fun facts

• Kites can be small toys or big art pieces.
• People fly kites to celebrate or to have fun with friends.
• In Kenya, you can fly kites on windy days at the beach or on a clear hill.

Try this

Activity: Make your kite, colour it with Kenyan patterns (animals, sun, flowers), then take it outside on a safe windy day and fly it!

Question: Can you name 3 materials you used? Draw your kite and show it to your teacher or parent.