Hands-On Symmetry Representation Activity

As teachers, we know how much students connect to their learning when there is an element of familiarity. Show your students how natural objects (like a butterfly or a flower) can have symmetry, with this 3-page worksheet set. 

Direct your students to use the shapes listed (which they’ll recognize from your classroom collection of pattern blocks) to draw their very own symmetrical flower, butterfly or 2D shape!

Throughout this activity, students will model shapes in the world by building shapes from components  and drawing shapes.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding  

For your fast finishers, why not set a task of creating a pattern design using blocks of their own choice, and to a theme of their choosing? They could make a symmetrical robot, ferris wheel, or boat, for example! 

Students who need extra support can first build out their design using physical manipulatives (pattern blocks) on their desk or on the rug, then copy their completed design onto their worksheet.

Easily Download & Print

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

To save paper, if you’re assigning 2 of the sheets we suggest printing this resource double-sided.

Turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity by printing on cardboard and slipping it into a write-and-wipe sleeve. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse.

This interactive symmetry resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and Teach Starter collaborator.

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more pattern block symmetry activities for your classroom:

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