Kite Day
LESSON 4
Children take their explorations outside to observe how wind interacts with nature, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between wind and the environment.
The book, “Kite Day,” by Will Hillenbrand
Materials for kite or windsock of choice. Ideas here.
Optional:
The book, “Autumn,” by Gerda Muller
Materials
Gather materials
Plan a location with a large open space to fly the kite or windsock you create.
Preparations
Introduce the story "Kite Day" by Will Hillenbrand to children, setting the stage for engaging discussions and activities.
Guide children through the story, pausing to ask comprehension and critical thinking questions to enhance their understanding.
Encourage children to share their thoughts and ideas about constructing kites, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
Work with child to construct their chosen kite or windsock.
Coordinate and supervise the outdoor activity of testing and flying the constructed kites or windsocks on a windy day.
Objectives for Teachers
Children listen to the story "Kite Day" by Will Hillenbrand.
Children engage in discussions before, during, and after the story to explore themes related to kites.
Children answer questions about the story to enhance comprehension and critical thinking.
Children have the opportunity to consider and discuss their own ideas about kite construction.
Children work together with guidance to construct a kite or windsock.
Children test and fly their constructed kite or windsock on a windy day.
Objectives for Children
Collect and Connect
Who Has Seen The Wind
Who has seen the wind?
Neither I nor you,
But when the leaves hang trembling,
The wind is passing through.
Who has seen the wind?
Neither you nor I,
But when the trees bow down their heads,
The wind is passing by.
-Christina G. Rossetti
Activity Flow
Begin by sitting down and reading the title of the story “Kite Day,” by Will Hillenbrand to your child.
Questions to ask before the story:
Do you think every day is a kite day?
What do you think makes a kite day?
Have you ever flown a kite before?
What do kites do?
During the story:
How does Bear know it is a kite day?
What does Bear collect?
What do you think Mole is reading about?
What materials did Bear and Mole use to construct a kite?
Why did the kite string break?
What happened to the kite after the string snapped?
After the story:
How would you construct a kite?
What materials would you use?
2. After reading the story, work together to construct a kite or windsock of your choosing. Once finished, take it outside on a windy day to test and fly it.
