April appeared here in Ohio still cold. We are longing for warmer and the sun shining. It really has been a long winter.

One of the things that Spring brings is plenty of wind. So I thought that this issue of Playzine would be about kites.

Of course, you can go and buy a kite. But you can also make your own.

Making your own kite is an experience in itself as you take all of the parts and put them together with your child or by yourself.

You need two sticks, dowels, or thin wood, one longer than the other. Place those at 90 degree angles and tie securely with string. Then cut a thin knotch in each end.

Put string all the way around the sticks.

Then add paper over the sticks and string. Glue the edges of the paper over the string.

Tie a piece of string to the middle cross of the sticks. You need this to be on a cylinder so that you can wind up the excess until you get the kite flying.

Add a tail for stability at the bottom by tying on more string and adding paper or small rags every so often.

Then find some wind. Hold it up and run with it until the wind catches it. Let out on the string on the cylinder.

Kites are fun for people of all ages. If you haven't flown them in years, make this the year that you fly one again.

Here are a couple of links that may help you build the basic kites:

http://www.skratch-pad.com/kites/make.html

www.ehow.com/how_1288_make-kite.html

For the more advanced kite flyer that wants a challenge making some unique kites, check out:

http://www.inquiry.net/outdoor/spring/kites/introduction.htm

April 22 is Earth Day. I will always remember the first Earth Day as my daughter was born on that day.

Plan something special for your own Earth Day this year.Try making something from things you would normally throw away.

So in honor of the upcoming Earth Day, check out this site:

http://ecochildsplay.com/

What's new at Simply-Kids-Play?

• Drums


• Decorating Easter Eggs


• Play Mats


• Updated Site Map

To keep up with what's new at Simply-Kids-Play, be sure to check out the What's New Play Blog.

Remember -- You're Never Too Old to Play!

Have a great April! Thanks for reading Playzine April 2008.

Karen Jones
www.simply-kids-play.com