Have students practice portrait drawing and learn about symmetry. Have each child bring in a clear copy of a photograph of herself. Cut the image in half lengthwise, and tape it to a blank piece of paper. The students draw the missing half of their faces, adding as much detail and trying to make it as symmetrical as possible. Have students match colors, patterns and textures as well.
Students can make a perfectly symmetrical face with help from the teacher. Each student draws half a face on a piece of paper folded lengthwise. The student should leave half the face blank, then trace over what has been drawn with a black crayon. The student folds the paper lengthwise on the crease, and the teacher carefully irons the paper on low heat to set the crayon onto the opposite side of the sheet. This creates a symmetrical image and completing the face. The children then paint, color and decorate the face.
Have students search through magazines and newspaper clippings to search for subtle differences in face symmetry. A person might have a slightly lower eye on one side, or have a higher cheekbone on the left. These may be difficult to come by in fashion magazines because models are chosen for their symmetry, and the photos are often touched up. Search sources that show everyday looking people. Each student creates a collage of asymmetrical faces, discussing the differences with the class.
Incorporate animals into your symmetry art activity. Look at photographs of animals with your students, and discuss how symmetric or asymmetrical each one is. Take note of things like patches, different eye color and other differences. Have the students draw, color or paint animal pictures of their own, and give a certain number of asymmetrical features you want each student to include. Have students try and identify the asymmetrical features in each piece, or have the artist describe the differences.