The Symmetry Game
Maths

The Symmetry Game

affiliateThe Symmetry Game

Have you ever noticed how children naturally explore symmetry in their play? I see it often in their block creations and artworks. Some of them are really quite complicated!

My kids sometimes like when I set out little activities for them, and especially ‘challenges’. I always try to make it something that’s relevant to them though. Seeing their love of symmetry, I thought we’d play a little game with it if they were interested. We call it ‘The Symmetry Game’.

The Symmetry Game

This is what I set up for them. I used a place mat for each of them to give them their own defined work area. Then I placed a wooden skewer down the centre, as a line of symmetry. On one side I made something using pieces from our Spielgaben set. I also snuck in a little reading practice by leaving them a note on the mini chalkboard instead of just telling them what to do. It reads ‘Can you finish the picture? Make the other side’. The Symmetry GameThey worked out what the note said themselves and got straight to work! Miss 4 (above) found it a little tricky at first getting the blocks around the opposite way, but soon figured it out. When she’d completed this one she told me ‘I’m really pleased with this Mum’ and asked me to take a photo before she packed it away so she could do another one.

The Symmetry Game

The Symmetry Game

Miss 6 loved the challenge also. She had to match not just the shapes but also colours. When talking about her creation I introduced the words ‘symmetry’, ‘symmetrical’, and ‘lines of symmetry’, so she now has the words for what she naturally explores in her play.

The Symmetry Game

Another one for Miss 4, this time introducing some coloured pieces and also building upwards with some of the blocks.

The Symmetry Game

It was a bit trickier this time, but after a lot of thinking and problem solving she finished it!

The Symmetry Game

The Symmetry GameAnother for Miss 6.

The Symmetry Game

The Symmetry Game

Aren’t they pretty?

This was an enjoyable little game for my girls, maybe your kids would like it too? It’s also great for practicing spatial and visual problem solving skills. You could use blocks or natural items or any bits and pieces you have at home. We used our Spielgaben set as it has lots of different pieces and colours so it was perfect for this.

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Comments

August 17, 2015 at 11:17 am

I LOVE this idea!! I have a two year old, so I will definitely have to do something that is easier, but I can’t wait to teach her symmetry! 🙂



August 17, 2015 at 6:15 pm

Pretty and a good tool for some brain exercise!



Karen
August 18, 2015 at 12:53 am

I have a four year old that would love this challenge. Might try it with some lego pieces. Thanks for sharing 🙂



August 18, 2015 at 12:13 pm

Wow! This looks like such a fun activity. I think both my kids would really enjoy doing a symmetry activity like this. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂



August 18, 2015 at 12:18 pm

I’d be tempted to complete these myself! I am drawn to symmetry and love working with pretty blocks 🙂



August 19, 2015 at 12:25 pm

Yes! My daughters are always lining things up in symmetry. They are so meticulous about it. I think they would absolutely adore this activity. Thanks for the inspiration!



Danya Banya
August 19, 2015 at 3:31 pm

I love this! You could make it as complicated or as easy as you like, to suit any age group.



August 20, 2015 at 11:11 pm

What a fun idea! My girls would love this game too.



August 26, 2015 at 9:38 pm

Love these sets and I think you’re right, children do naturally explore symmetry. Great post.



November 7, 2020 at 9:41 pm

I have the Easy Lunchboxes as well. If you get those, just be sure you are careful when opening the lids. I think you’re right, children do naturally explore symmetry. Great post. I have a four-year-old that would love this challenge. Might try it with some lego pieces.



February 24, 2021 at 6:22 pm

Building block are one of the best ways to develop skills for kids. They promote creativity and passion.



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