Let's Fly a Kite

MathStart Level 2

by Great Source, Brian Floca (Illustrator)

It's not fair! That's what Bob and Hannah shout whenever they have to share anything. If the two halves of the sandwich or the two sides of the car seat aren't exactly the same size and shape--watch out! But when these two squabbling siblings try to fly a kite, they learn that some things can't be split to be shared--and they learn something about the math concept of symmetry too.

Genres: Mathematics, Childrens, Picture Books, Family

36 pages, Paperback

First published August 22, 2000

Reviews

[Enrique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative read of how lines of symmetry work without being too complex and showing how things can be even in the best way so that it can benefit everyone such as sitting on a towel and each having an equal side or what makes a good kite that can fly effectively. Great illustrations that almost remind of the illustrations that show up in the book Charlottes Web which I found very interesting but with color. I would recommend this book to the 3rd and 4th graders and maybe even the 2nd and 5th as well.

[Vo Khon · Rating 3 out of 5]

LINE SYMMETRY
A story with good drawing to learn line symmetry.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little story that illustrates symmetry by weaving it into a relatable story of two siblings making a kite and flying it at the beach.

[Rykki · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I have to say the squabbling was a little annoying between the two kids, it's definitely something the kids can relate to. The use of lines of symmetry were wonderfully explained. It's simple enough for a kid to understand without being so incredibly simplistic that I want to roll my eyes the whole time.

The exercises in the end are some wonderful suggestions. I've always loved the snowflake project. We might just have to try the nature walk suggestion the next time we go for a walk to the library. It would be great to read this before we head out, then follow up with the nature walk exercise on the walk.

This is the first book I've read in this series, but I think we'll have to look into more of them. I love the way they brilliantly craft the story around a math concept so the learning is completely natural. It's simply making an observation, which is perhaps the easiest way for my kids to learn!

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun story about squabbling siblings and how they and their babysitter use lines of symmetry to ensure that they get an equal share of everything. The illustrations by Brian Floca are colorful and complement the story nicely.

We have read lots of books in the Mathstart series and I love how they teach mathematical concepts within the story, and in easy-to-understand ways. We will continue to search for more of the books in the MathStart Level 2 series at our local library.

[Jenny D]

In this story, 2 children learn about lines of symmetry. Have cut-outs of the shapes from the story (a kite, seat, towel, sandwich) available for students. For the first shapes, have students follow along with the story, making the same folds. Then, have students see if they can find a way to fold the cut-outs so that both sides are the same. After reading the story, have more cut-outs available for students to find lines of symmetry. Give shapes that have one line of symmetry as well as some that have multiple and some that have none. Then, have students search around the school for objects that have lines of symmetry.

[Hailey Dellinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to use in symmetry unit to explain the use of symmetry inside and outside the classroom. This incorporates family matters along with sharing things equally with lines of symmetry. I would use this story to do a mini lesson with cutouts from the story that students can practice their lines of symmetry to make things even. I would give shapes that have one line symmetry that students can fold as well as some with multiple folds/symmetry. I would use this for 3rd grade students to develop math concepts for daily life.

[Maxwoodliff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's Fly a Kite would be good for students that are learning about shapes and how to divide things into two equal parts. The back of the book provides a guide for parents and teachers to ask questions to their students about the different shapes and how the shapes are divided equally. I would use this book for a younger group of children who are learning about shapes.

[Linh Tong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really good for teaching symmetry. I will read this book aloud. Students will help me find the different symmetrical objects in the book. We will then create a symmetrical snowflake. We will fold a square sheet of paper into fourths. We will then cut small designs. When we open the paper up, the snowflake should be symmetrical.

[Sharia A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a family at a beach. The family is creating kites. TDuring this process, the children realize that the kite has equal sides. Now that the children realize that, they go to the beach and notice there are many other objects that are symmetric. This book would be a great book for 3rd grade students so that they can develop math concepts for students to use in daily life.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brother and sister learn the concept of symmetry as they make a kite and head to the beach to fly it.

A better math story than a kite story, ink and watercolor illustrations do showcase the beautiful kite the kids create and the other kites in the skies at the beach.

[Chak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Math Start book. Good stuff.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book could be used to teach about lines of symmetry and cooperation. Shapes and sharing is also discussed in this story. There are many examples of symmetry throughout this story.

[Thao · Rating 4 out of 5]

- This book can be used to teach symmetry (for older kids) and shapes (for younger).
- Grades k-3

[Sarah Decarlo]

Symmetry

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book about separating things equally for siblings who want everything to be fair. There's a lot of bickering in it.

Good for older kid and preschool storytimes.

[Esther]

Symmetry / halves / being fair among squabbling children. This one does contain some problem solving in it, as the babysitter does need to split things in half more evenly after the kids complain.