It's time for one of my favorite poems from Year-Round Read-Aloud, Read-Along Rhymes: Celebrating Holidays and Seasons. I love it because it combines memories of my own childhood, and days spent with our own children when they were young.  Kites have been flying for centuries, and who knows how many fathers and mothers have passed on the fun to their kids?

 FLYING KITES

One bright and windy Saturday, my Daddy said, “You know,
“I used to really like it when a wind like this would blow.”
He smiled and said, “Come with me. We’re going to the store.”
I ran and put my jacket on and we were out the door!

Daddy knew exactly what he wanted and he got
Two kits of paper, sticks and string. And that was all we bought.
We hurried home and laid them out on our big kitchen floor,
And we made us each a fancy kite! And took them out the door.

The wind was tugging playfully – my kite was hard to hold.
And Daddy joked, “Hold on there, kites, and do what you are told!
“We’re going to an open park where there won’t be any trees
“And then you can play with the wind as roughly as you please.”

At the park, my Daddy laughed, “I’m not the only one
“Who thought of flying kites today!” And every one had fun.
The kites flew high and higher as we I let out all our string.
A dozen kites were dancing and it made me want to sing.

As we reeled the string back in we felt the wind’s strong tug.
And afterwards I thanked my Dad and he gave me a hug.
I always will remember that bright and windy day
When Daddy took me flying kites and all we did was play!

oOo

A Do-it-Yourself Kite Project

When I was a girl, homemade kites were made with paper, tape, sticks and string.  And there was a lot of taping, because there was a lot of tearing, especially in the strong March wind of Central Oregon!

Modern families can use stronger plastic garbage bags for a light, strong starting point. 

Try these directions from "Train Up a Child" for making a do-it-yourself kite!

More Fun with the March Wind

Who knows how long children have been making pinwheels? 

If you don’t have an open space to fly a kite, or if you would like a wind-powered toy for littler children to enjoy while the older ones are flying kites, make some pinwheels!

They are fast and easy, and you can make them with things you probably already have at home.

So while Winter and Spring are fighting over who will rule the weather, take advantage of the clash!  Enjoy making and playing with these classic wind toys.

oOo

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