Children can be introduced to the diamond shape in many different ways. Caregivers can print a pre-designed kite outline from a computer program for an instant kite activity. Alternatively, caregivers can pass out white paper, along with a diamond-shaped piece of cardboard or plastic. Allow the children to trace the diamond shape onto the blank white paper. The act of tracing helps reinforce pre-writing techniques, such as holding a pencil or crayon.
Caregivers should offer several decorations to encourage children to use their imagination and experiment with color. Crayons, markers, stickers, tissue paper, cotton balls, and glitter are all fun decorations that children can choose from to personalize their kite. In addition, caregivers can add another layer of instruction by placing the letter "K" and the word "kite" somewhere along the edges of the diamond shape. Caregivers can explain that the craft is a kite, shaped like a diamond and beginning with the letter "K." This will help them learn the alphabet, too.
If you're working with a pre-designed form that includes a tail formed from multiple triangles, caregivers can ask the children to count the triangles, which will help build number recognition. The diamond kite craft that uses the traced design offers a chance to explain patterns, too. Give each child a handful of colored pasta bows. Children can glue the bows down, forming the kite's tail. Afterward, the caregivers can explain patterns and ask if any of the children see a pattern within their kite tails. Children can also create other tail forms, such as adding a string or ribbon, to the diamond kite shape for a unique detail.
Caregivers may choose to cut the diamond kite from the surrounding paper, rather than having the children attempt the cut out. Preschoolers are still learning how to use scissors at this age and they may become upset if their creation is damaged. Hang the kites on a bulletin board for displaying the fine artwork.