Symmetry in Art

Seeing Symmetry by Loreen Leedy is my favourite book for introducing Symmetry.

In Kindergarten,we usually focus on the line of symmetry. Something has a line of symmetry if it can be split into two mirror image halves. 

Let's Play and Learn!
You can play with lines of symmetry using many materials that you have at home. First make a symmetry mat (draw a line with a ruler, down the centre of the paper):

Then use different materials to make a simple design on one side of the mat. (you can use pattern blocks, lego, or any small objects- "loose parts" that you have multiples of. You need at least 2 of each object, so you can make the exact mirror image on the other side of the mat)
Parents! You can make the first image and then your child can create the symmetrical image!

Now make a mirror image of it on the other side of the mat. (It might help if you put a matching piece on top of the piece you want to mirror, then flip it across the line):

Another example using "Loose Parts": 
 

(we have to ignore the writing on the parts!)

*** Also practice with the line going horizontally! ***

This one is NOT symmetrical. Why is it not symmetrical?

What would I have to do to make it symmetrical?
(this is likely the most important part of today's learning. If your child can explain why this is NOT symmetrical, then they truly understand symmetry)


Your child will need lots of practice with symmetry! Please continue to point out different symmetrical things that you see inside and outside of your house!

Some artists use symmetry in their work.
Georgia O'Keeffe painted this horse skull. It is very symmetrical.

Georgia O'Keeffe painted Inside Red Canna in 1924. It is a close up of the inside of flower. It is very symmetrical too!

 Lets Make!
(This is a Mother's Day card. Maybe Dad could help? Or maybe Mom can walk away for the final finishing touches). 
The word MOM has a line of symmetry right down the middle of the O. We are going to play with symmetry to make a card for Mom using a different line of symmetry. 

 You will need a piece of paper (construction paper or cardstock is best), a pencil, and some crayons or markers.

First, fold the paper into a card. 
Move your card so the fold of the card is on the top. 

Draw a  line across the middle of your card.
 

Using  a pencil, Print MOM above the line. Try to have the letters touch the line!

Flip the card over so MOM is upside down. Now print MOM above the line. Try to match the lines of the M so they touch the upside down lines of the other M. 

Turn your card so the  fold is at the top. It now says mom, and it says a different word at the bottom. Do you know what it is? It says WOW. 
Your cards now says MOM WOW. Because WOW! Your mom is awesome! You can trace over the letters in a dark colourful marker or crayon now! 

 You can trace over the line of symmetry if you want to. It is your choice.

If you want to, you could use colours to make a border around the edges of the card. It could be lines, colours, flowers.... whatever you want! You are the artist!

Inside the card, write a message to your mom! 
You could write one of these sentences, or come up with your own:

• Wow Mom, you are awesome! 
• Happy Mothers Day 
• Wow Mom, I love you!

 Don't forget to write your name! 
Put it away until Sunday and then surprise your mom with it!