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Shapes with Symmetry

Shapes with Symmetry

A simple painting that introduces the concepts of symmetry and congruency.

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.

  • Container of Water
  • Paper Towels
  • Recycled Newspaper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Review shape identification and introduce the concept of symmetry with a fun painting project.

  • Step 2

    Fold a piece of Crayola® Construction Paper in half.

  • Step 3

    Cover the work area with recycled newspaper. On one side of the construction paper, paint several shapes using Crayola Washable Paint.

  • Step 4

    While the paint is still wet, fold the paper in half and gently press the two sides together.

  • Step 5

    Open up the paper again to reveal a symmetrical painting.

  • Step 6

    Organize students into small groups to discuss the artwork they created and verbally demonstrate an understanding of symmetry.

Standards

LA: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade level reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.

LA: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

MATH: Identify and describe shapes.

MATH: Reason with shapes and their attributes.

MATH: Analyze, compare, create, and compose shapes.

VA: Students will investigate, plan and work through materials and ideas to make works of art and design.

VA: Students demonstrate an understanding that creative thinking skills transfer to all aspects of life.

Adaptations

Go on a shape scavenger hunt. Have students identify shapes of everyday items in the classroom or at home.

Students finish shape patterns that have already been started and create new shape patterns on their own.

Classroom resources include: Is it Symmetrical? by Nancy Kelly Allen, Shape by Shape by Suse MacDonald, and Let’s Fly a Kite by Stuart J. Murphy.