Practicing Lines of Symmetry in Upper Elementary

Lines of symmetry are one of those geometry skills that seem simple at first, until students actually have to identify them in different shapes. Some see symmetry instantly, while others need time to manipulate and explore before it clicks. 

When teaching kids at different math levels, the key is to find ways to keep it engaging for those that “get it” instantly, while finding ways to support those who need a little more time. Thankfully, teaching symmetry can be surprisingly fun with the right mix of visual, hands-on, and interactive practice!

Here are some of my favorite engaging ways to teach lines of symmetry that get students moving, thinking, and talking about math!

Looking for a quick, winter-themed lines of symmetry practice? Check out our Snowflake Symmetry packet!

1. Start with Real-World Examples of Lines of Symmetry

Before diving into shapes, connect symmetry to things students see every day.

• Nature: Butterflies, leaves, snowflakes, and flowers are perfect natural examples.

• Objects: Letters like A, H, M, and O, or familiar items like hearts, soccer balls, or dinner plates.

  
  

Ask: “If we folded this in half, would both sides match?” A quick discussion or image slideshow helps students realize symmetry isn’t just a “math thing,” but that it’s everywhere.

2. Foldable Fun with Paper Shapes

Give each student a few basic shapes cut from colored paper like squares, rectangles, triangles, hearts, etc. Have them fold each one to see which parts line up perfectly. Turn it into a sort or a “scoot” activity to get kids up and moving!

This tactile experience helps even your most visual learners feel what a line of symmetry means. You can even challenge them to design their own symmetrical shape and trade with a partner to test!

3. Symmetry Painting

This one’s always a hit! Give each student a blank sheet of paper and a few drops of paint in different colors. Have them fold the paper in half, press gently, and then unfold it to reveal a beautiful, symmetrical painting.

Students can label the line of symmetry down the center, then discuss how both sides are reflections of each other. It’s a great blend of art and math, and a quick, low-mess way to make abstract concepts concrete.

Bonus: These make wonderful hallway displays or math-art bulletin boards!

4. Mirror Drawing

Grab a set of small mirrors (you can often find these at a dollar store or craft sections). Students can place mirrors along the edge of a half-drawn shape to see the “reflection.”

It’s an instant “aha!” moment for visualizing symmetry. You could rotate through mirror stations as a math center, or do a class-wide mirror drawing challenge using shapes or letters on the board.

5. Incorporate Art and Creativity

Combine geometry and art with a symmetry drawing project! Students can:

• Draw half of an image (like a bug, face, or house), then have a partner complete the other side.

• Use cut-paper collage techniques to create symmetrical designs.

• Explore symmetry in famous artworks.

  
  

6. Use Interactive Notebook Activities for More Practice

Once students grasp the concept, it’s time to reinforce it through guided practice! Our Lines of Symmetry Interactive Notebook Activity + Quick Check is a low-prep tool for review and to check for understanding. 

Here’s what’s included:

• A foldable interactive notebook page where students identify and draw lines of symmetry in 2D shapes

• A mini “quick check” to assess understanding in just a few minutes

• All in a low-prep format that’s easy to print and use anytime, perfect for math notebooks or review days

  
  

Teachers love that it’s hands-on without being messy, and students enjoy building something that helps them remember the concept later on!

If you teach upper elementary, check out the links below for more interactive notebook activities to go along with skills taught in grades 3-5. (These links take you to the complete bundles, so scroll down to the product description for more on each skill and links to individual activities!)

Third Grade Math Interactive Notebook Activities

Fourth Grade Math Interactive Notebook Activities

Fifth Grade Math Interactive Notebook Activities

7. Try a “Symmetry Scavenger Hunt”

For a quick movement break, send students on a symmetry hunt around the room, school, or your home! They can record examples of symmetrical objects they find and sketch them in their notebooks.

If you’re teaching virtually or want to tie in tech, have them take photos and create a short slideshow of their favorite symmetrical finds.

8. Wrap It Up with a Quick Check

Before moving on, make sure students can apply symmetry to new shapes independently. That’s where a simple exit ticket or quick check (like the one in my interactive notebook set) helps you see who’s mastered it and who needs a bit more support.

You can project a few shapes on the board and have students draw in lines of symmetry on whiteboards for a fast, informal check-in too!

Teaching lines of symmetry doesn’t have to be flat or abstract. When students can fold, paint, draw, and observe, the concept becomes more tangible and fun!

With hands-on activities, creative visuals, and a tool like the Lines of Symmetry Interactive Notebook Activity + Quick Check, your students will understand symmetry and start seeing it everywhere they look!