Recognising Line and Rotational Symmetry in Grade Four.

If you’ve been focusing on line and rotational symmetry with your Grade Four students, you may be looking for an engaging and creative activity for them to show their knowledge. This is it!

Together with your class, dive into the fascinating world of symmetry as you embark on an exciting creative journey. Using the concepts of line and rotational symmetry, students will create a stunning square masterpiece that perfectly balances shapes and patterns. 

Using This Line and Rotational Symmetry Quilt Activity

Students will follow the simple and clear directions on the cover page of their worksheet set. They’ll then:

• Choose how they want to include line symmetry (mirror image) and rotational symmetry (turning around a central point) in their quilt patch design. 
• Aim to include elements of both line and rotational symmetry in their design. 
• Think about the patterns and motifs they’ve seen in Central Asian textiles, Islamic design, tessellation, and architecture. These are explored in our Line and Rotational Symmetry Teaching Slides 
• Experiment with different shapes, lines, and patterns to create their own unique quilt patch. 
• Once satisfied with their design, use coloured pencils or markers to add vibrant colours and make their quilt patch visually appealing. 
• Using the checklist provided, check that they have included all elements required.
• Create a final or ‘good’ copy, cut it out and join it with classmates’ to display as a whole-class quilt. 

Students will demonstrate their ability to create symmetrical patterns and pictures, using stimulus materials such as the motifs in Central Asian textiles, Tibetan artefacts, Indian lotus designs and Islamic artwork to investigate and discuss line and rotational symmetry.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding  

Students needing a challenge could look further into tessellation or irregular shapes to incorporate those into their symmetry design.

To support students in your class, you may use cut-up shapes or pattern blocks to manipulate into a symmetrical design before moving into drawing their own. This hands-on approach is easier for students to practice their design without needing to worry about making mistakes.

Printing Tips for Your Symmetry Activity

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource.

This resource was created by Caitlyn Phillips, a teacher in Victoria and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to reduce  your lesson planning time: