A kite – Children’s Crafts
Some legends mentioned China as the first country where they was flying a kite. Japan and other Eastern countries, also point to the kite in its legends. But other research beyond: they say that was the great explorer, Marco Polo, who introduced the kite in Europe centuries ago.
The kite flying is a practice that has been used for 2-3000 years or so. Its usefulness was changing over time. There was a time when the kite was used for scientific purposes. Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity, demonstrated through the kite was no electricity in the clouds during a storm. Other cultures used kites to celebrate some festivals. In today’s society, the kite is just a toy for children, especially used to enjoy the spring.
How to make a traditional kite
Material
- A plastic bag
- Two thin wooden sticks or bamboo or metal
- Rope
- Strong tape
- String for kites
- A coil or mango
- Acrylic paint
- A brush
Preparation of the kite
1 – From the plastic bag is cut a square about two sides being larger than the other two.
2 – Cut the sticks of the same size as the kite. Cross the sticks and tie them in the center. With that, it is the base, the structure of the kite.
3 – Made the structure, tape it on the kite. Turn over the kite and put a piece of tape right in the cross of the structure. In this way the plastic is protected for when the rope passes.
4 – Then, cut a piece of string for kites, twice the size of the height of the kite. Sew or passes one end of the string through the front of the kite and rolled several times the center of the structure and pass it back to front. This is the flange.
5 – Turn the kite. Pass the other end of the string through the bottom of the kite and carefully stretched until taut.
6 – Tie the flying string to the bridle, a little above the middle, when you try adjusting the kite.
7 – Now decorate the kite. You can use water and detergent for the paint to dry better in the plastic.
8 – Make the queue. The tail is what gives stability to the kite. Make a plastic, five times the height of the kite.
And, good flight!
Security measures during the kite flying
Before mounting a kite is very important to talk with children about how and where to fly a kite. We need to consider some rules:
1 – Never fly a kite near power poles and lines
2 – Do not use cords or metal materials in the kite. That could bring electricity
3 – Use fishing line or special metal child to fly a kite
4 – Do not use the kite in the rain. The wet string can attract electricity.
5 – If the kite is stuck in a tree or pole, do not try to catch it. Climbing very high places is dangerous.
6 – Fly the kite in places where there are no people. An uncontrolled drop your kite could cause discomfort to others.
7 – Never fly a kite near roads or tracks. It can distract drivers.
8 – Fly your kite when weather conditions are not storm
The practice of kite flying should be a pleasure, not a problem.
