Curriculum Guides

Grade Level: Kindergarten

Content Areas: Geometry

Skillss: Symmetry

Prerequisites:

Instructional Practices: Communication, Problem Solving

Materials Needed: Pattern Blocks sorted by color; single-sided and hinged mylar mirrors, Pattern Block paper shapes, black construction paper

Technology: Pattern Blocks

Activity:

The children work in pairs. One child places one block against the side of a single mirror. The second child builds what he/she sees in the mirror. The first child adds another block to the mirror design. The second child builds the additional pattern seen in the mirror. The children continue building the surrounding pattern in this manner. When complete, the first child takes away the mirror and reveals the original design and the reflected design. This activity creates a design with bilateral symmetry. To create a design with rotational symmetry use the hinged mirror and follow the same procedure.