Kitecraft : and kite tournaments

A lively portrait of early‑20th‑century school life emerges through the simple act of building and flying kites. The author frames kite‑making as a practical response to the era’s push for “life‑likeness” in education, arguing that hands‑on projects can turn classrooms into miniature workshops that feel as real as the world outside. Readers discover a blend of instructional detail and educational theory, each kite design presented as a stepping stone for students to experiment, problem‑solve, and take pride in tangible results.

The narrative follows the growth of a citywide kite tradition in Los Angeles, where modest classroom experiments blossomed into spirited tournaments that captured the attention of families and neighbors. By tracing how teachers, parents, and even skeptical fathers became enthusiastic supporters, the book shows how a single hobby can knit a community together and give children a sense of purpose. It offers enough guidance for today’s educators and makers to recreate the magic while preserving the historical charm of those early school‑yard skies.