Inside: How to use this Spider Symmetry Printing activity to explore science, math and art with your child.
Wait a minute, did you say Science, Math and Art all in one activity?
You heard me right!
We love multi-skills and cross subject activities here. As simple as it looks, this invitation to create covers many learning areas. Depending on the ages and interests of your children, you can choose to explore each learning area as much as your children like.
Jump to:
The Science: Anatomy of Spiders
This activity is perfect for curious preschoolers to learn about anatomy of spiders and explore the differences between an arachnid (e.g. a spider) and an insect (e.g. an ant).
In simple terms for the young children, spiders have 2 main body parts and 8 legs. Show them photos of real spiders, ask them to point out the 2 body parts and count the legs.
Extension for interested older preschoolers and kindergarteners
Show them photo of an ant and ask them to point out any differences in the anatomy between a spider (an arachnid) and an insect. More extension: show them photos of a scorpion and ask: "Do you think a scorpion is an arachnid or an insect?"
Spider Math: Basic Symmetry & Division
For preschoolers who are new to this topic of symmetry, it's your chance to wow the kids!
Fold the paper into half, paint half the spider on one side of the paper. I'm quite sure by this time, your curious preschoolers will be wondering why you only painted half the spider. Now fold the paper and print the spider onto the other side of the paper. Wowza! We have a complete spider. Use the spider painting as the example to introduce symmetry and mirror line.
Related: You may also interested in other activities like Hearts Printing Symmetry and Christmas Tree Symmetry.
Extension for interested older preschoolers and kindergarteners
Challenge them to think about these questions:
"How many legs should you draw on one side so that you get 8 legs in all?"
"How do we draw half the spider's body?"
If your child has trouble visualising it mentally, then definitely try some spatial reasoning games and activities.
Related: For older preschoolers familiar with the alphabet, you can also try this fun Letter Symmetry with Duplo activity!
Spider Art: Printing Patterns
If you like, you can show them photos of the colorful spiders in the world. Then invite your children to create beautiful patterns on their spiders too!
For my 3yo, she was just interested in painting her spider and that's a lot of fun too.
Use the art materials you have at home, and if you need recommendations, check out my list of favourite art supplies.
Look at all these beautiful spiders we created!
Related: Explore at and science while painting with ice!
A Symmetry Printing Tip
Do the painting and symmetry printing in small steps. The symmetry printing is most effective when the paint is still wet. So paint the body first and print the body, then the legs. Lastly the patterns on the spiders. If your child is taking a long time to paint on each color, then print every color while the paint is still wet.
More Halloween Theme Activities
Halloween is just round the corner. Will you try this fun Spider Symmetry Printing activity with your children? Share your beautiful spiders artworks with us if you do!
If you're looking for more fun learning ideas for Halloween, check out my 15+ Halloween Activities for Preschoolers, Monster Hands Craft & Math and Monster Eyes Counting activity!
Have fun playing and learning!
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