By Becca Roberts, Naturalist at Brandywine Creek State Park

This month for Terrific Toddlers, since we cannot meet up in person, we want to give you a fun activity you can do at home with your little ones! We are going to show you how to make a quick and easy kite, made from stuff you can hopefully find in and around your home. 

Supplies:

• A piece of paper
• Tape 
• String
• A fairly straight stick
• Grass or other long plants for a tail
• Ruler (optional)
• Crayons or other coloring material

1. Fold your paper in half (landscape/hamburger) 

2. Keep the fold on your left. From about an inch or two from the left on the top start your line, go diagonally to near the bottom right corner 

3. Fold along that line 

4. Open the flaps, this diamond shape is the face of your kite.

5. Now is a good time to decorate! Let your little one decorate however they see fit, but remind them that having lots of colors will make their kite easier to see.

6. Tape your stick shortways across your kite face. This helps the kite face stay flat and keep its shape in the wind. 

7. Tape along the backs of the folds to hold them steady 

8. Attach your “tail ribbons”, this can be long grass or really anything you can find. Get creative! 

9. Poke or cut a small hole on the base of the kite (the folded away part behind the face), make sure the knot is tight.

10. Now you’re ready to fly! Head outside (somewhere safely away from others) and enjoy the wind. Running is a great way for little kites to catch some air, and a great way for toddlers to get out some energy!

Naturalist Becca flying her kite