With Tek
How to make a kite with paper that really flies
To make a paper kite that flies, cut a diamond from a sheet of paper, tape one straw down the middle and one across the wide part, add a paper tail about five times as long as the kite, and tie the flying string to a short loop of string on the middle straw. Then fly it in a big open space with the wind at your back. In this course your kid learns why a kite flies (wind, the right angle, and a tail for balance), builds the kite, adds the tail and strings, and flies it with a grown-up. Tek hosts four short films for kids 6 to 13, and your kid ends with a paper kite that really flies and the fixes for one that spins or leans. Plan about 4 minutes of films, 30–45 minutes of building, and a breezy day outside. On Kubrio, all four films and the quiz are free, with no account.
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▶ 1:45 tourWhat your kid makes
Your kid ends with a paper diamond kite with a straw frame, a long tail, and a string loop that sets the angle, flown outside with a grown-up. Your kid also knows the fixes: more tail for a kite that spins, matching sides for one that leans, and more wind for one that won't climb.
- Ages
- 6 to 13
- Time
- 4 films, about 4 minutes, then 30–45 minutes of building and time outside to fly it
- You need
- A sheet of paper, two drinking straws, tape and scissors, paper strips for the tail, string, and a piece of cardboard to wind it on, a grown-up for the cutting and the flying
- Host
- Tek
The 4 lessons
Lesson 1. Why a kite flies
A kite has no engine. The wind pushes on it, a little tilt sends the push up, the string holds it against the wind, and a tail keeps it balanced.
- Hold a sheet of paper by one short edge
- Walk fast with it out in front of you
- Watch the wind lift it up
Where: At home
Lesson 2. Build the frame
A paper diamond with one straw down the crease and one across the wide part makes a kite that's strong and light.
- Fold the paper the long way, open it, and join four dots into a diamond
- Cut out the diamond, with a grown-up's help
- Tape one straw down the crease and one across the wide part
Where: At home
Lesson 3. Tail and string
A long tail keeps the bottom of the kite behind, so the top points up. A short loop of string on the middle straw, with the long string tied a little above the middle, sets the angle.
- Tape paper strips into a tail about five times as long as the kite
- Poke a hole near the top and the bottom of the middle straw, and tie a loose loop between them
- Tie the long string to the loop and wind it on cardboard
Where: At home
Lesson 4. Fly it
Fly in a big open space with a grown-up, far from power lines, trees, and roads, with the wind at your back, and let out string a little at a time.
- Pick a park or a field and check that leaves are wiggling
- Have a grown-up hold the kite up and let go while you pull gently
- Spinning? Add more tail. Leaning? Make both sides match
Where: Outside
Take the quiz
Tek asks 3 questions about the films. Get 2 right and you finish the course.
Transcript
Lesson 1: Why a kite flies
Hi, I'm Tek! Today you make a paper kite that really flies. Way up high!
A kite has no engine. The wind does all the work. Moving air pushes on anything in its way.
Hold a sheet straight up, and the wind shoves it back. Tip it, and the wind slides down the face and pushes it up!
That tilt is the angle. Too flat, and the wind slips past. Too straight, and it's pushed back. A little tipped is just right.
The string holds the kite against the wind. So the push has only one way to go. Up!
Wind to push, the right angle, and a tail for balance. That's how a kite flies!
Your turn. Hold a sheet of paper by one short edge, out in front of you. Walk fast, and watch the wind lift it up!
Lesson 2: Build the frame
Let's build your kite! You need a sheet of paper, two straws, tape, scissors, and string.
Fold the paper in half the long way, then open it. That crease is the middle of your kite.
Put a dot at the top and the bottom of the crease. Then a dot on each side, a little above the middle. Join the dots. A diamond!
Cut out the diamond. A grown-up can help with the scissors.
Turn it over. Tape one straw down the crease. That's the spine. It keeps your kite stiff.
Tape the other straw across the wide part, from side dot to side dot. Now it's a cross, and your kite is strong and light!
Your turn. Draw your diamond, cut it out, and tape on two straws in a cross.
Lesson 3: Tail and string
Your kite needs two more things. A tail for balance, and a string to hold it.
Without a tail, most kites spin around and dive to the ground.
The wind tugs on the tail and keeps the bottom of the kite behind. So the top stays pointing up!
Tape strips of paper end to end. Make the tail long, about five times as long as your kite. Tape it to the bottom point.
Now put tape near the top and the bottom of the spine, and poke a small hole through each.
Tie a short string from hole to hole, a little loose. Then tie your long string to it, just above the middle. That knot sets the angle!
Your turn. Tape on a long tail, tie the strings, and wind the long string around a piece of cardboard.
Lesson 4: Fly it
Time to fly! First, pick the right place.
Fly in a big open space, like a park or a field, with a grown-up. Stay far from power lines, trees, and roads.
Check the wind. Are leaves wiggling and flags waving? That's kite wind. Stand with the wind on your back.
Your grown-up holds the kite up high. Walk back a few steps, with the string tight. They let go, and you give a gentle pull.
When it climbs, let out a little string at a time. Higher, and higher!
Does it spin? Add more tail. Does it lean to one side? Make both sides match. Won't go up? Wait for more wind.
Your turn. Take your kite somewhere open, with a grown-up, and fly it. You made a kite that really flies!
Free guides to practise with
Questions parents ask
Where is it safe to fly a kite with kids?
In a big open space, like a park or a field, with a grown-up. Stay far from power lines, trees, and roads. Lesson 4 starts with that rule. If a kite ever gets caught on a power line, leave it there and let go of the string.
Why does the kite spin or dive?
Most often the tail is too short. Without a tail, most kites spin and dive to the ground. Make the tail about five times as long as the kite, and add more if it still spins. If it leans to one side, make both sides match, and if it won't climb, wait for more wind.
How much wind does a paper kite need?
A steady breeze that makes leaves wiggle and flags wave. Stand with the wind at your back, have a grown-up let go of the kite while your kid pulls gently, and let out the string a little at a time as it climbs.