Symmetry is a BIG concept for young children.
But wait!
Instead of giving children the abstract mathematical definition of symmetry, let them explore the beauty of symmetry though a fun art project!
We have been doing this symmetry printing art for Halloween, Christmas and now Valentine’s Day. It’s interesting to watch my 3yo develop her own understanding of symmetry through this process art. She was intrigued to observe how the paint on one side of the heart was printed on the other side when she folded the paper.
My 5yo was at another level of symmetry game. He was coming up with ways to create faces on the hearts through symmetry printing.
Related: Advanced Symmetry Game for the Older Kids using Duplo!
We quickly ran out of hearts because the children had so much fun with this one. That’s a really good problem.
To set up this activity
I cut out several red and pink hearts. Fold each heart in half to create the middle fold line. Now take out the paint (we use white, gold and silver). Invite your children to create patterns on one half of the heart, fold the hearts and unfold to see their beautiful symmetry creations!
Prompting question:
Only one half of the heart has paint on it, I wonder what will happen when we fold the paper? Then sit back and watch your children work their creative magic!
Give these hearts out as Valentine’s Day cards, or punch a hole in them and string them up to make a garland!
Share your beautiful hearts with us!
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