Want to build a kite in less than 5 minutes? This kite is basically a paper airplane on a string. It’s fast and easy to make. The best thing about this kite is that it needs next to no wind to get airborne, so you can simply run with it to get it up in the sky.

You’ll need to get: 11”x17” sheet of paper (you can also tape two 8.5″ x 11″ sheets together to make this size), 10 feet of string, two donut stickers (also known as page reinforcement stickers), a stapler, and a straw.

Why does this kite fly? This kite soars because you’re holding the kite at the correct angle to the wind. The wind flows both over and under the kite, and with this shape, the air flying over the kite is traveling a bit faster than the wind under the kite. Recall that higher speeds mean lower pressure. The underside of the kite now has a relatively higher pressure, thus pushing the kite upwards into the sky.

Can I add string to any paper airplane and make it into a kite? Anytime someone asks us a question like this, we respond with a very enthusiastic: “I don’t know. Try it!” Then we offer enough tools for the job with a smile. We want kids experimenting with new ideas (even if we’re not entirely sure if they will work). So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, test out your ideas, and be prepared to learn.

Tip: When I teach kids how to make this kite, I’ll punch holes both on both sides of the staple and ask the kids which hole works best.

To make a string handle, cut a straw in half and thread one of the pieces onto the end of the string, looping the free end back onto the main line. Wind the excess string around the straw.

Troubleshooting: The bat kite needs very little wind to fly – in fact, most kids get their kites airborne just by running. Depending on where the staple is located, you can place your string forward or aft of (behind) the staple. Encourage kids to test and find their own answer, but our recommendation is to shoot for the aft hole 3.5 inches from the nose and the staple 1.5 inches from the nose.