Learning About Lines of Symmetry 

This 12-slide teaching presentation covers the basics of symmetry and is the perfect introductory lesson to share with your students. 

Included in the presentation are the following topics:

• Finding  Symmetry in Nature
• What is a Line of Symmetry?
• Drawing Lines of Symmetry
• Equal Parts or Unequal Parts?
• Folding Activity
• Show What You Know! Learning checkpoint. 

How to Use the Lines of Symmetry Presentation

Project the slides on the screen and start the instruction with a discussion and drawing activity to introduce the concept of symmetry in nature and the world around us. Next, make the connection of symmetry in nature to 2D shapes. 

Once symmetry in shapes is introduced you can explain how to draw lines of symmetry and discuss the several examples. This is a great opportunity to also address misconceptions and incorrect examples of lines of symmetry. 

Next explain equal and unequal parts. Lead students in a hands on activity. Students will need a piece of construction paper or writing paper to help guide their folding. 

An on-screen timer is built into the presentation to give students a set time on how long to spend folding. Finally, work on the Show What You Know slides together.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your Geometry lessons

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, we have a few suggestions for keeping students on track with these concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Give students a partner to work with during activities; give the student a paper with writing lines to guide them during the folding activity; give students additional time to complete tasks.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Challenge students to write in their maths books or separate paper additional 2D shapes you want them to practise drawing a line of symmetry for during the show what you know portion.

🧑‍🏫 Group Learning

Project the slides onto a screen and work through them as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks or mini whiteboards. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PowerPoint or Google Slides versions of this resource. 

This teaching resource was created by Lisamarie Del Valle, a teacher and Teach Starter collaborator.

More Symmetry Activities

Are you looking for more line and rotational symmetry resources for your Grade Fours? We’ve got you covered:

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Line and Rotational Symmetry Quilt Activity

Have your students apply their knowledge of line and rotational symmetrical designs and collaborate with their peers using this fun quilt design activity!

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Exploring Rotational Symmetry Worksheets - Drawing Prompts

Encourage creativity and practice knowledge of rotational symmetry with a set of exciting symmetry drawing worksheets.

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Line and Rotational Symmetry Sorting Activity

Have your students determine whether each object has line symmetry, rotational symmetry or no symmetry, with this fun cut and paste worksheet.