Coded Message Kites

A Coded Message Kite is an easy after-school activity that your child can make to send a secret letter to a friend.

©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Kids can send secret messages with a Coded Message Kite.

• Permanent markers
• Plastic shopping bag
  
• Ball of string
  
• Ribbon
  
• Stapler and staples

Step 1: Using markers, encourage your child to draw some pictures on the plastic bag to make a coded message for a friend to read when the kite is in the air.

Step 2: Tie the handles of the plastic shopping bag together with the end of a ball of string.

Step 3: Staple a few 2-foot lengths of ribbon to the bottom of the bag for kite tails.

Step 4: Find a windy spot outdoors (away from any overhead wires), and instruct your child to run with the kite. As the bag fills with air, show him or her how to slowly let out the string. The kite should begin to soar and dive. See if a neighbor or friend can figure out the message drawn on the kite.

Don't forget to take the kite in the house or put it in a trash can when everyone is finished playing with it -- plastic bags can be dangerous for small children and animals.

The next page explains an after-school activity that doesn't use any supplies at all, just a lot of balance and teamwork.

Looking for more fun activities for kids? Check out these pages for inspiration:

• Back-to-School Activities
• After-School Games
• Back-to-School Crafts
• Fall Crafts and Activities