Overview
Kites are made and flown all over the world. This lesson introduces students to other cultures and customs through the making and flying of kites. After researching how kites are used in other countries, students present their findings to the class. They then make a kite and decorate it in the style of the country researched.
Student Pages
Introduction
Kites are made and flown all over the world. This lesson introduces students to other cultures and customs through the making and flying of kites. After researching how kites are used in other countries, students present their findings to the class. They then make a kite and decorate it in the style of the country researched.
Student Outcomes
After completing this lesson, students will be able to:
- Students will be able to locate a particular country on a world map.
- Students will describe differences and similarities between two cultures.
- Students will develop oral language skills.
- Students will use writing skills to develop an original story.
Content Area and Grade Levels
Grades 2 through 6.
Content area: Social Studies
Technology Usage
- Internet access
- Storybook Weaver (optional)
- KidPix (optional)
- MS Word or similar word processing program
- Inspiration (optional)
- One diskette
- Printer
Resources
Online
- Japanese kites
- Kites in China
- History of Kites
- Kites in Indonesia
- Kites in the United Kingdom
- Kites in India
- Plans to make a kite
Off line
- Brummitt, W. (1969). Kites. Random House
- Dolan Jr., E.F. (1985). The complete beginners guide to making and flying kites. Harper and Row
- Schmitz. D. C. (1987). Kite flying. Penguin Books
Materials
- Dowels
- Butcher paper
- Glue
- String
- Markers
Preparation
- Bookmark links on each computer.
- Familiarize yourself with the process of making a kite by visiting the kite-making links in the Resources section.
Tasks
- Ask class to brainstorm with a partner possible uses for kites throughout the world. (Examples are for pleasure, competition, festivals, etc.).
- Create a semantic map and record answers.
- Ask students, working with a partner, to choose a country to research.
- Distribute Record sheet and T-chart.
- Instruct students to use the Record sheet and T-chart to record information.
- Instruct students to plan a presentation based on their research.
- Ask students to write a story about kites and the country researched using factual information from their research.
- Have students draw a kite representative of the country researched, using KidPix or similar drawing program.
- Ask students to deliver their presentations to the class.
- Have students lead the class in construction of a kite using their diagram as an aid.
- Arrange for the students to present their research to other classes in the school. (optional)
Presentation
For their presentations, the students will present some information on how the country they have selected is similar or different from their own. The students will give at least 4 examples. They will also state how the kites are used in the researched country. The students will use word processing to type their information.
Assessment
See Rubric.
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Kites Around the World-includes all materials and student pages.
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Kites Around the World -includes all materials and student pages.
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New Mexico Content Standards
- Language Arts
- 1) Students will apply strategies and skills to comprehend information that is read, heard, and viewed.
- 2) Students will communicate effectively through speaking and writing.
- Social Studies
- 1) Students will use knowledge and cultural understanding to explain how the world's people cope with ever-changing conditions, examine issues from multiple perspectives, and respond to individual and cultural diversity.
- 3) Students will know, understand and apply the language, tools, and skills of social studies.
- 11) Students will know and understand the diverse, dynamic, and ever changing nature of culture.
- Mathematics
- 5) Students will understand and use numbers and number relationships.
- 9) Students will understand and use measurement.
