Students Immerse Themselves in The Kite Runner:
Teachers Integrate the Topical Bestseller Throughout Curriculum
by Anne Howson (Upper School Librarian)

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During the months of September and October, the Upper School sponsored its first division-wide reading event. All students and faculty read Khaled Hosseini’s critically acclaimed debut novel, The Kite Runner, in which Hosseini weaves a compelling tale of friendship, betrayal, and redemption, spanning almost thirty years. Hosseini also provides a remarkable inside look at Afghanistan from the last days of the monarchy to the present day.

In support of this book, the Upper School enjoyed a wide variety of activities. Of course, each English class examined the novel as a work of literature. Some other highlights of activities associated with The Kite Runner are listed below.

• Kristi Ferguson, head of the History department, presented a series of short “infomercials” on the history of Afghanistan during assemblies.

• Saba Alavi had a traditional Afghani dress made while she was visiting her family in Iran during the summer, and the dress was displayed throughout the duration of our reading event.

• Three of our faculty members who had visited Afghanistan or who had extensive knowledge of that country led a panel discussion about their experiences. Both Patrick Wilson (US History) and Christie Boulez (US French/Spanish/ESOL) had spent time in Afghanistan in the early 1970s, with Patrick leaving just before a public execution of another visitor to the country. Wearing the Afghani dress, Saba Alavi (US Technology) explored the differences between Afghanistan and her native country, Iran.

• There was an early-bird showing for almost 200 students of the movie Osama, the first film to be produced in Afghanistan after the fall of the Taliban. Osama powerfully portrayed the deplorable social conditions women endured under the Taliban.

• Two representatives from the local Islamic mosque made a presentation about the Islamic faith to the entire Upper School student body during assembly.

• Math students designed and constructed kites, since kites played such a notable role in the novel. The kites were created using a prescribed list of criteria, and were judged and graded by the math teachers.

• Students in the IB Theater class made a presentation about theater in Afghanistan, from the era before the Taliban, during Taliban rule, and post-Taliban. Drama instructor David Sims notes that since the departure of the Taliban, Afghanistan has experienced a period of growth in its theater, with greater and unprecedented freedom to explore political, social, and religious topics.

• Susanne Abrams’ art classes created “fighting kites,” much like the ones described in the novel. The colorful and beautifully decorated kites are currently on display in the Upper School Library.

• Two “Best Kite Awards” were presented to students; both winners were from the sophomore class. Winner of the math kite award was Julia Kinigadner; the art student kite winner was Smedes Scovil. Gift certificates to Moe’s restaurant were given to the winners.

• Beth Johnson’s physics classes studied kite-flying from the physics perspective, examining the different forces that are applied, as well as the types of materials that are most flight-worthy.

• Nancy White’s IB class enjoyed pomegranate juice, a traditional Afghani beverage, as they read the novel.

• A kite-flying contest was scheduled, but had to be cancelled because of torrential rain! However, students did get the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Afghan dessert, even if they were unable to fly their kites. All students and faculty members enjoyed “Bride’s Fingers,” courtesy of the Pita House, which are honey, nut, and phyllo confections---a touch of Afghanistan in Greenville!

The Kite Runner and all of the activities associated with it proved to be a wonderful experience for the entire Upper School community. What a great opportunity to celebrate multiculturalism and internationalism—values that lie at the core of the CCES experience!