Lines of symmetry
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify shapes and images that have reflective symmetry and explain where the line of symmetry lies.
Key learning points
- A line of symmetry is used to show that one half of a shape is a reflection of the other half.
- When an image is folded along a line of symmetry, the two halves will match.
Keywords
Line of symmetry - If you were to fold a shape on its line of symmetry, both halves would match exactly.
Reflection - An image or shape as it would be seen in a mirror.
Symmetrical - When a shape has a line of symmetry, it can be described as symmetrical.
Common misconception
Children may think that any line drawn down the middle of a shape is a line of symmetry.
It is important for children to see that a line of symmetry can be folded to give two halves that match - one half is a reflection of the other half. Explore folding cut-outs of symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes to find lines of symmetry.
Teacher tip
Look for examples of reflective symmetry in the children's environment and when learning about other subjects e.g. lines of symmetry in flags or famous landmarks. Use mirrors to explore lines of symmetry in different shapes and to support children when drawing reflections in a line of symmetry.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each polygon with the number of sides and vertices that it has.
Q2.Look at the image. These polygons are all .
Q3.Which of these shapes is not a hexagon?
Q4.An has 8 sides and 8 vertices.
Q5.These shapes have been sorted. Which shapes do they show?
Q6.Match the shapes to their properties.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.When a shape can be folded in half and both sides are the same, the line where you folded is called the line of .
Q2.Which of the whole shapes match the folded shape?
Q3.This shape is symmetrical. One half of the shape is a of the other side.
Q4.Which of the shapes are symmetrical?
Q5.Which shape is not symmetrical?
Q6.Jun has tried to draw the reflection of this shape. Which of the reflections is correct?
To help you plan your 2 maths lesson on: Lines of symmetry, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 maths lesson on: Lines of symmetry, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 maths lessons from the Shape: discuss and compare 2D and 3D shapes unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.