Facts about Kites

First, I want to say a big thank you to all the Veterans out there. Thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and your freedom!

Last week, we dedicated our time to expressing gratitude for items and experiences beginning with the letter J. This week, we encourage everyone to share something they are thankful for that starts with the letter K. Your contributions can enrich our collective spirit of appreciation and reflection. Let’s celebrate what brings us joy and positivity!

I'm grateful for Kites. What are you thankful for that begins with the letter K?

🪁 Catching the Wind: The High-Flying Story of Kites

Bright colors fluttering in the sky, tails twisting like streamers—kites are more than just breezy fun. They carry stories, science, and surprises with every gust of wind. So grab your string and let's follow these floating wonders through history and beyond!

🎈 1. Kites Are Ancient Inventions

Kites were first invented over 2,000 years ago in China, where they were made of silk and bamboo. Some had whistles that made musical sounds as they flew!

🧠 2. They Inspired Scientists—Even Ben Franklin!

In 1752, Benjamin Franklin famously used a kite during a thunderstorm to study lightning and electricity. Don’t try this at home—but it helped pave the way for our understanding of electricity!

💨 3. Kites Helped in Wars

During World War I and II, kites were used to send messages, spy on enemies, and even as target practice for pilots. Soldiers trained using high-flying kites—some called signal kites—to simulate airborne objects.

🎖️ 4. Kites Honor Veterans

In many places, including Washington, D.C., special kite festivals are held to celebrate veterans and military families. Flying a kite becomes a symbol of freedom, peace, and remembrance.

🌎 5. They're Loved Around the World

Different cultures celebrate kites in unique ways:

• In India, kite festivals like Makar Sankranti paint the skies with colorful battles.
• In Japan, kites shaped like dragons soar during spring celebrations.
• In Brazil, kite-flying is often a competitive sport!

🌬️ 6. Not All Kites Are Flat!

Kites come in all shapes—triangles, boxes, diamonds, animals, and even 3D shapes. There’s a kite shaped like an octopus that looks like it’s swimming in the clouds!

🎨 7. Every Kite Is a Mini Science Experiment

Flying a kite involves aerodynamics, gravity, and wind speed. You’re not just having fun, you’re learning how lift, drag, and tension work. (Sneaky science for the win!)

🎉 8. There’s a National Kite Month!

Yep, April is National Kite Month in the U.S. It’s the perfect excuse to get outside, make your own kite, and let the wind take it for a spin.

🪁 Bonus Breezy Fact!

• The longest kite tail ever was over 4,500 feet long. That’s longer than 10 football fields!
• A kite-powered land speed record hit over 84 mph; zoom!

There’s an abundance of wonderful things to be grateful for! Bursting with positivity, expressing gratitude can transform your mood and ignite happiness in those around you. It’s a win-win! So, let’s celebrate the power of thankfulness and make every moment count, embrace gratitude with open arms!

Next week, we’ll come together to celebrate the wonderful things that begin with the letter L. Let’s take a moment to express our gratitude for everything from the cozy comforts that make us feel at home to the fascinating curiosities that spark our curiosity. It’s a chance to embrace and appreciate all the lovely aspects of life that this charming letter represents. I hope you can join in this joyful celebration!

Grab this awesome worksheet:

🪁 K Is for Kite: “Kindness Kites in the Sky”

Let kids design colorful kites that carry kindness and thankful thoughts across the clouds, whether they fly outdoors or decorate a wall of joy indoors!

🎨 What You’ll Need:

• Kite-shaped paper templates or blank sheets to draw your own
• Markers, crayons, glitter glue, stickers, washi tape
• Yarn or ribbon for tails
• Optional: straws or popsicle sticks for framing, cloth scraps for texture

🖍️ Instructions:

1. Create Your Kite Canvas
   Kids decorate their kite with colors, shapes, and meaningful designs. Encourage them to include words, drawings, or symbols of what they’re thankful for.

2. Add the Kindness Tail
   Using ribbon or yarn, attach 3–5 small paper bows or strips. On each, kids write an act of kindness they’ve done or want to try:

   • “Smiled at someone feeling sad”
   • “Helped tidy the toy shelf”
   • “Said thank you to my bus driver”

3. Let Your Kite Lift the Love
   Display the kites on a hallway, classroom wall, or bulletin board titled:
   “Our Gratitude Takes Flight!”

🪁 Bonus Breezy Bits:

• Ancient kites in China were used to send messages and ward off bad luck!
• Kite tails help with balance in the wind, just like kindness keeps us steady.
• You can host a mini kite parade where each kite shares one thankful wish!

Books about kites:

1. Kite Day: A Bear and Mole Story by Will Hillenbrand

2. Kite Flying by Grace Lin

3. Kindness is a Kite String: by Michelle Schaub

4. Let's Fly a Kite by Stuart Murphy

Parents take a moment to check that the books they choose are perfect for their little ones before diving into storytelling adventures together.

Return to the Alphabet Hub!