Running out of ideas for what to do when the peanut gallery is clamoring “I’m bored” and the ever popular “there’s nothing to do”? Keep a bin of this and that and you’ve got the makings for some easy toys you can make for your kid.
Here are three steps to build a classic toy that is easy to assemble and fun to play with for big and little kids alike. Let’s make and go fly a kite.
Materials for one kite are:
1 8½ x 11 inch sheet heavy weight construction paper
1 8 inch bamboo skewer
1 3 x 6 inch piece of cardboard
60 feet length of string
4 feet length of crepe paper
Tape
Hole punch (optional)
The instructions are simple and can be scaled to build larger, more complicated design for older kids, or to grow in design and building ability. The paper can be colored and decorated with crayons, markers, pencils or other lightweight materials. Interesting options for paper can be lightweight wallpaper or double folded newspaper comics.
The first step in making a kite is to assemble the body. Placing the paper landscape, fold in half to 5 ¼ x 8 inches. Fold again at a diagonal to create a pentagon shape. With the paper still folded, start a new crease at the top center to a point 3 inches from the fold at the bottom and fold to meet at each measurement. Open the top flap of the paper down along the crease and tape the crease securely to form the spine of the kite.
The second step is to add the cross bar. With the top flap of the kite opened, place the skewer across the top width of the kite. Tape the skewer securely at each end point. The kite should now have its basic form and structure.
The third step is to attach the tail and string. The tail can be a 4 feet length of crepe paper, or a 3 feet length with smaller pieces tied on like bows. Turn the kite over so the skewer side is face down. Securely tape the tail to the bottom of the exposed fold, as close to the base as possible. Next, measure 3 inches from the top of the exposed fold and ½ inch from the edge of the crease and punch a hole to attach the string. Gently knot the string through the hole. The string may be purchased on a handle or wrapped around the 3 x 6 inch cardboard cut-out to create a handle.
The kite is now ready to fly. It is recommended to review basic kite flying safety rules such as flying in an open space away from power lines and poles; fly only on clear sunny days and always using string, avoiding wire and fishing line which can also cause injury. A kite is a fun and easy toy you can make for your kid and spend even more quality time playing with it together.