Properties of Shape - Symmetry Activity - Planning

In the second week of Summer term, Year 4 students delve into the concept of symmetry with a focus on identifying lines of symmetry in various shapes. The lesson starts with a recap of previous learning and introduces key vocabulary such as "line(s) of symmetry," "reflection," and "infinite." Students engage with a presentation and use practical resources like squares and mirrors to explore symmetry. They begin by observing reflections, understanding how images change and stay the same when mirrored. Activities progress from identifying true reflections to folding paper shapes to discover lines of symmetry. The children are encouraged to think critically about whether one half of a shape perfectly covers the other, indicating symmetry.

Further activities challenge the students to find lines of symmetry in different shapes, including rectangles, pentagons, and circles, with the latter having an infinite number of symmetrical lines. They practice shading grids to create symmetrical shapes and use mirrors to verify their symmetry. The lesson aims to help students understand how to identify symmetrical shapes and address common misconceptions, such as the difficulty in recognizing symmetry in irregular shapes. The plenary involves a reflection on what was learned, the skills used, and what they found tricky, with a promise to remember the key concepts. Students are encouraged to complete activities from the presentation, with tasks tailored to different levels of understanding, from working towards the expected level to achieving greater depth in their knowledge of symmetry.