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Lesson 3 of 10
Lesson 3 of 10
New
New
Complete a symmetrical pattern
I can complete different types of symmetrical patterns.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The mirror line shows where a mirror is placed.
- Patterns are symmetrical when they are exactly the same on each side of the mirror line.
- When placing a mirror on the line of symmetry, the image seen is the same as the other half of the symmetrical pattern.
- The pattern will be the same distance from the mirror line on both sides.
Keywords
Symmetrical - When a shape has a line of symmetry, it can be described as symmetrical.
Mirror line - Another term for a line of symmetry. If you were to fold a shape on its line of symmetry, both halves would match exactly.
Line of symmetry - If you were to fold a shape on its line of symmetry, both halves would match exactly.
Common misconception
Children might spot the unit of repeat and draw a repeating pattern rather than a symmetrical pattern.
Allow children to fold and unfold painted patterns on the mirror line to see where each part of the pattern would be reflected. Printing is a great tool to create symmetrical patterns.
There are opportunities for practical exploration at the beginning of this lesson to activate children's prior knowledge of symmetry. Prioritise time for this.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.How many equal sides and equal angles does an isosceles triangle have?
How many equal sides and equal angles does an isosceles triangle have?
0
1
3
Q2.Complete the sentence. This triangle is __________ .
Complete the sentence. This triangle is __________ .
an equilateral triangle.
a right-angled isosceles triangle.
Q3.__________ triangles have 3 equal sides and 3 equal angles.
__________ triangles have 3 equal sides and 3 equal angles.
scalene
iososceles
Q4.This shape is symmetrical. One half of the shape is a __________ of the other side.
This shape is symmetrical. One half of the shape is a __________ of the other side.
copy
match
Q5.A shape has been folded in half. Which shape is it?
A shape has been folded in half. Which shape is it?
Q6.Which of the shapes are symmetrical?
Which of the shapes are symmetrical?
A
B
Assessment exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.Complete the sentence. When a shape can be folded in half and both sides are the same, the line where you folded is called the _________
Complete the sentence. When a shape can be folded in half and both sides are the same, the line where you folded is called the _________
parallel line.
perpendicular line.
Q2.Which of the patterns is symmetrical?
Which of the patterns is symmetrical?
A
C
Q3.What shape would go in this box to make the pattern symmetrical?
What shape would go in this box to make the pattern symmetrical?
triangle
hexagon
Q4.What shape is missing from this symmetrical pattern?
What shape is missing from this symmetrical pattern?
circle
triangle
square
Q5.True or false. Sam has created a symmetrical pattern.
True or false. Sam has created a symmetrical pattern.
True
Q6.What shape should be added to make this pattern symmetrical?
What shape should be added to make this pattern symmetrical?
circle