Kindergarten Explores Symmetry

The winter season brings many opportunities to explore the mathematical and artistic concept of symmetry. Gingerbread cookies, winter block patterns, and snowflakes helped to fuel the investigation into the new vocabulary word and concept. 

 As materials were manipulated, questions arose.               

                              What is symmetry? 

Is this a pattern?

Or is it symmetry?

What is the difference? 

How can we check to be sure? 

What is symmetrical? 

What is not symmetrical?

Where can we find symmetry?

The children practiced creating symmetrical drawings by completing and decorating ginger bread drawings that were blank on one side. With careful observation and/or folding of the paper in half, the children began to understand that the sides had to match! They were also introduced to the idea of the line of symmetry.

                    

                    

Hands-on pattern block snowflake creations also helped in the growing understanding of symmetry. Students first worked individually and then in pairs, taking turns adding a shape, copying or "mirroring" the partners movement and shape.

Then using water colored popsicle sticks, glue, glitter, and diamond-like sequins, the math and art students created beautiful symmetrical snowflakes. Remembering that the sides had to match and look the same, they worked carefully, excited to use new materials.

 

The final symmetrical snowflakes were used for many purposes. The snowflakes decorated the Winter Fest. They were also photographed for our kindergarten hallway bulletin board and merged to create a collaborative and collective winter greeting card for families and teachers.  Finally, the beautiful snowflakes were taken home as children began to dream of a future snow day!