Children begin learning about geometry by becoming familiar with and identifying shapes. Introducing students to each shape and its characteristics, like the number of sides and angles, it provides them with the basic knowledge they will use to learn more complex geometric concepts. Once students are able to name the shapes, help them make connections and see that the world is full of shapes by pointing out specific shapes and asking students to look for them. Activities like hunting for circles in the classroom, or looking for a specific shape in books or magazines, is appropriate for this stage in teaching geometry.
Once students are familiar with the different shapes and their characteristics, encourage them to be creative and use shapes to make more complex objects and designs. You can allow students to use shape blocks at first and challenge them to make simple objects like houses and flowers. Next, provide students with materials, such as pipe cleaners, craft sticks, paper and drawing utensils, and allow them to explore using shapes in different ways.
Students can learn about symmetry simultaneously or shortly after learning about shapes. Using shapes as a starting point for explaining symmetry is helpful in reinforcing what students have already learned. To start off, explain a line of symmetry as a line that passes through the exact middle of a shape or object and that object with symmetry will be the same on both sides. Providing students with hands-on experiences in testing the symmetry of different shapes by folding them down the middle can be an effective way to help them understand the concept. You can also draw student attention to symmetry visually by asking them to identify symmetrical objects in their environment.
Incorporating art into lessons on symmetry is an effective way to help students understand the concept while promoting creativity and expression. Review the explanation of symmetry, and present students with the idea of painting using symmetry. After demonstrating symmetry painting by putting a few drops of paint on one half of a piece of paper, folding it in half, and unfolding it, allow students to experiment with symmetry and make their own symmetrical creations. You can also encourage exploration of symmetry by asking students to complete self-portraits and pictures of butterflies and other animals’ faces when presented with half of a picture.