Complete a symmetrical pattern
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can complete different types of symmetrical patterns.
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.
Teacher tip
There are opportunities for practical exploration at the beginning of this lesson to activate children's prior knowledge of symmetry. Prioritise time for this.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How many equal sides and equal angles does an isosceles triangle have?
Q2.Complete the sentence. This triangle is __________ .
Q3.__________ triangles have 3 equal sides and 3 equal angles.
Q4.This shape is symmetrical. One half of the shape is a __________ of the other side.
Q5.A shape has been folded in half. Which shape is it?
Q6.Which of the shapes are symmetrical?
Assessment exit quiz
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 _________
Q2.Which of the patterns is symmetrical?
Q3.What shape would go in this box to make the pattern symmetrical?
Q4.What shape is missing from this symmetrical pattern?
Q5.True or false. Sam has created a symmetrical pattern.
Q6.What shape should be added to make this pattern symmetrical?
To help you plan your 4 maths lesson on: Complete a symmetrical pattern, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 maths lesson on: Complete a symmetrical pattern, 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 2 maths lessons from the Properties of 2D and 3D shapes and symmetry unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.