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Shapes with Symmetry

Shapes with Symmetry

Children will learn about shapes and symmetry while creating a colorful painting.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

Steps

  • Step 1

    Review some basic shapes with children. Introduce the concept of symmetry by explaining that a shape is symmetrical if it can be folded in half and each side would be exactly the same. Ask them if they can think of anything that is symmetric, perhaps a butterfly, a kite, birds' wings, etc.

  • Step 2

    Have children create a painting that demonstrates symmetry. Ask them to fold a piece of paper in half and then unfold it. Then have them draw a line along the fold. On one half have them draw and paint several shapes. While the paint is wet have them refold the paper along the same fold line and gently press the two sides together. When they open the paper, they will reveal their symmetrical art.

  • Step 3

    Have children present their symmetry paintings and describe the shapes they used and how the symmetry was created.

Standards

MATH: Analyze, compare, create, and compose math ideas using written, oral, and drawn lines, shapes, forms, and patterns. 

MATH: Create models that demonstrate math concepts and attend to precision.

Adaptations

Have a shape scavenger hunt. Challenge students to find objects around the classroom or school that are square, circular, triangular, etc.

Make a symmetrical butterfly. Have children fold a piece of paper in half, draw one side of a butterfly's wings along the fold, and then cut the image out. When they open it they can use crayons to create a beautiful colorful butterfly.