Studying Symmetry in First Grade

The first graders have had a lot of fun studying symmetry.  We initially discussed the idea of symmetry by having students stand up and look at where on their bodies they could draw a line of symmetry.  They quickly figured out that they could draw a line down the middle of their body and each side would match up if folded across the line.

We jumped right into hands-on activities that used pattern blocks to explore symmetry.  The students worked individually at first and then with a partner in a number of activities exploring symmetry.  They really enjoyed a game called 'Balancing Act' in which they took turns placing a pattern block on one side of a line and then having their partner place a block on the other side of the line to create a symmetrical design.

Our final symmetry activity was an art project where the students again worked with partners to make a symmetrical design.  They used squares, which they could then fold and cut into rectangles or triangles to make a symmetrical horizontal design.  After one student placed a shape, his or her partner placed a shape on the other side of the strip of paper and had to make sure it was a mirror image of the original shape.  These turned out beautifully and will be outside of the first grade room soon.

If you are interested in having some fun with symmetry at home, try these games:

Some Symmetry Games to Play