Properties of shape - Lines of symmetry - Planning

The Year 2 geometry curriculum focuses on the properties of 2D and 3D shapes, with a particular emphasis on understanding lines of symmetry. During the second week, students explore how to identify and describe various properties, such as the number of sides, edges, vertices, and faces of shapes. They also learn to recognise 2D shapes on the surfaces of 3D shapes, as well as compare and sort an array of common shapes and everyday objects. The key vocabulary for this unit includes terms like 'symmetrical', 'line of symmetry', and 'vertical', along with the names of specific shapes such as rectangles, circles, and cubes. Resources for the lesson include differentiated sheets, teaching slides, scissors, a variety of 2D and 3D shapes, paper shapes, rulers, and small mirrors. The lesson plan suggests using vocabulary cards and definitions available on the associated website to support learning.

The lesson begins with a starter activity where children recap previous learning by folding shapes to find lines of symmetry and discussing their findings in pairs, using full sentences to articulate their reasoning. The class then progresses through a series of activities where they investigate folding shapes to discover vertical lines of symmetry, draw these lines on paper shapes, and use mirrors to visualise symmetrical halves. Problem-solving tasks encourage children to draw shapes with vertical lines of symmetry and consider the shapes created when a square is divided. The lesson concludes with a reflective 'Give me five' exercise, where students consider what they have learned, the skills they have used, and what they found challenging. Differentiated tasks are provided for varying levels of understanding, from identifying lines of symmetry on simple shapes to working with more complex shapes and understanding rotation in relation to symmetry.