Teaching Symmetry to Kindergarten Kids
I love to share lesson plans with other teachers and homeschooling parents.
Teach Symmetry to Kindergarten Kids by Showing Equal Halves
When a shape or an object can be folded in half and both sides are exactly the same, the object is said to be symmetrical. Teaching children about symmetry is a math concept to be taught in Kindergarten. Later geometry lessons will build of this basic concept of symmetry, so take you time and ensure the child understand the concept of equal halves and symmetry.
Lessons to Teach Symmetry
Objectives: Identify that a whole object can be divided into equal parts
Lesson: Using a pencil and a ruler, draw a dotted line down the center of a sheet of paper. Help the child fold the paper lining it up equally and folding it down the dotted line that you drew. Ask how many parts there are to the sheet of paper. Ask if they are the same shape and same size. Explain that two parts that are the same shape and size are "equal parts."
Optional: You can repeat this activity, cutting the piece of paper into hearts, squares, circles, etc. Fold the shapes into two or more equal parts. A square, for example, could be folded into 4 equal parts.
Help the Child Gain a Better Understanding of Symmetry
Through Comparison
To reinforce the concept of "equal parts," show the child a shape that has NOT been divided into equal parts. Explain to the child that the parts are not equal and are not symmetrical.
Symmetry Worksheets
Worksheets to Teach Symmetry
Kindergarten Symmetry Worksheets
When the folding activities are complete, you can reinforce the concept of symmetry with these worksheets. All worksheets are free and printable. Simply click the thumbnail to enlarge.
Lakeshore Learning
(Image on the right)
- Draw the missing half of the leaf, apple, scarecrow, and tree.
Working 4 the Classroom
Spring Symmetry Worksheets
- Draw the missing half of the egg.
Spring Symmetry Worksheets
- Draw the missing half of the butterfly.
Spring Symmetry Worksheets
- Draw the missing half of the flowers.
Education.com
- Draw the line of symmetry.
Symmetry Video for Kids
This symmetry video talks about the symmetry of a butterfly by folding a sheet of paper in half.
© 2010 hsschulte
Comments and Questions about Teaching Symmetry
SecondSally on November 22, 2012:
I like the simple approach.
TinasCraft on June 08, 2012:
good job...
Peggy Hazelwood from Desert Southwest, U.S.A. on April 29, 2012:
What a great way to teach two halves of a whole.
anonymous on March 12, 2012:
very simple ideas are here, i liked it
Blackspaniel1 on January 06, 2012:
Nice lens
jimmyworldstar on December 13, 2011:
These are great exercises. A butterfly is a prime example and using a line to show asymmetry on a paper is good too. Keep up the lesson lens!
anonymous on October 29, 2011:
This is a fabulous lens to teach symmetry to young children. *blessed*
lasertek lm on May 16, 2011:
Very informative and great looking lens. Awesome job!
Evelyn Saenz from Royalton on April 01, 2011:
Nice, simple explanation on how to teach symmetry to young children. I would also suggest using a mirror as suggested by Mary Lorton Baretta in Mathematics Their Way. A mirror shows an exact image of symmetry which children can then experiment with when working with manipulatives such as pattern blocks.
Blessed by a SquidAngel.
