Nature Kites

Our "Nature Kites" activity targets children aged 3–10. In this activity, children have the chance to create small "nature kites" using natural materials such as dry leaves, thin sticks, grass, or flower petals. The aim is to help children engage more with nature, discover the power and direction of the wind, and enjoy the process. This activity enhances children’s environmental awareness and love of nature while also developing their creativity and problem-solving skills.

Purpose of the Activity:

leaf Allow children to express their creativity using natural materials.

leaf Help children learn about the power and direction of the wind through hands-on experience.

leaf Raise awareness about the environmental impact of using natural materials.

leaf Increase children’s love of nature and environmental awareness.

leaf Develop children’s problem-solving skills.

leaf Let children enjoy the experience of interacting with nature.

First the Story

Tako, Ruka, Grandpa, and Obu were sitting in the backyard of Grandpa’s village house, listening to the sound of the wind rustling. Tako had an idea for a game and was excited to share it with everyone.

Friends, I came up with a great game!

Hmm, what kind of game, Tako?

A game about nature. We’ll use the wind and natural materials.

That sounds interesting. How will we play it?

First, we’ll make a design and then collect materials from nature based on that design. Then we’ll use these materials to make small kites. You know, it’s important not to collect more than we need from nature.

You’re absolutely right. And this game sounds so much fun!

That’s a wonderful idea, Tako. Playing with nature is always a good way to understand it. Obu, get up and help us too.

Obu! Obu obu!!!

Great, then let’s get started!

Materials

İnce bambu çubuklar Kağıt veya ince kumaş Doğal yapıştırıcı Makas

Activity

This activity can vary according to the age group. It can be done individually or as a group activity.

Step 1: First, draw a sketch of how the kite should look and what materials might be needed. It is not right to collect too many items from nature.

Step 2: Then collect the materials the children have chosen from nature. When selecting these materials, be sure to choose things that are naturally found and do not harm the environment. A thin stick, dry leaves, grass, or flower petals can be ideal options. Make sure there are enough materials for each child to make their own kite.

Step 3: Explain to the children that they need to attach the leaves, grass, or flower petals to the stick they selected. They can use natural sticky substances found in nature (such as pine resin) to attach the leaves and other materials to the stick. While doing this, remind the children to handle natural materials gently.

Step 4: Once the kites are ready, guide the children to determine the direction of the wind. To do this, tell them to feel how the wind touches their faces, hair, or clothes. Then, explain that they should release the kites in a spot where the wind can carry them according to its direction. During this activity, help children discover the power and direction of the wind and the ways nature communicates.

Attention!

Always stay under adult supervision. Activities should be carried out under the guidance of an adult to ensure children’s safety.

Be careful when collecting natural materials. Avoid thorny plants, insects, or poisonous plants. If you are not sure, do not collect that material.

When flying the kite, stay away from trees, electrical wires, and other tall structures. Such obstacles can damage your kite and pose a safety risk.

Be careful when using sharp objects. If scissors or any sharp object needs to be used during the activity, get help from an adult or do it under their supervision.

Do not neglect cleanup after the activity. To protect the environment, collect all materials after the activity and dispose of them in the trash.

Evaluation Questions

leaf What natural materials do you think we can use to make a kite?

leaf Why did we want our kite to be small instead of making a big kite?

leaf Can you guess why our kite needed to fly without a string?

leaf What benefits could making our kite with materials we found in nature have for the environment?

leaf What natural conditions do you think we need for our kite to fly?

leaf If our kite doesn’t fly, what could be the reason and how could we fix it?

leaf If we had the chance to make our kite again, what natural materials would you use differently?

leaf What did you notice or learn about the environment while doing this activity?