Let’s Go Fly a Kite
Kite Flying Exercise Teaches
Multicultural Lessons

By Sam Tolliver (June 10, 2006)

Yesterday was the last day of classes for seniors, but also the first time the activity of kite flying had occurred at Mason. On an overcast day, a group of high school students went to the football field to fly kites. The wind was moderate, and a group of students were learning the art of kite flying. After reading the novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, and having engaged in discussions of the book, Mrs. Chico’s book club decided to try the art themselves. (All the seniors in the College Preparatory English classes also read the novel this spring.)

Senior Mubashir Kalhoro gives an okay sign as he prepares to demonstrate to his classmates the art of kite flying, a popular sport in his native Pakistan. (Photo by Sam Tolliver)	Up, up and away! Mubashir runs his kite for takeoff. (Photo by Sam Tolliver)

This struck a chord with senior Mubashir Kalhoro who is from Pakistan where kite flying and kite running is a popular activity. Kalhoro said, “I wanted to show the school my culture, and what a popular sport kite flying is in my country.” When asked whose idea it was to fly kites, Ms. Chico said, “It was Mubashir’s idea” and further explained that discussion of the novel led to the idea of flying kites in a group.

Flying kites is a different activity in some countries, where it is more of a battle than simply watching the kites soar. Sharp materials are placed on the line of the kite, making it possible to cut other kites’ lines. These kite battles are competitive and Kalhoro added that “you can also show off your skills,” referring to the fact that these kite battles are intense and take skill. After the kite has been sliced away from its string, it glides away, and this is where kite running comes in. Another person has the job of chasing the cut-off kite and retrieving it for the winner of the tournament.  Kalhoro also added that kite flying “is a fun, dedicated sport” showing that these kite battles contain intensity and competition.

Yesterday’s kite flying was not only fun, but it also was informative about other cultures’ pastimes. This interesting day on the football field informed students about Middle Eastern culture by first hand experience, minus the sharp string. While no kites were severed from their strings, students were able to experience culture, and connect the activity to the novel which they had just read.