Students will create their own symmetrical patterns while working in the art center. Introduce symmetry into finger painting activities by folding a paper in half and asking students to paint just one side. When finished painting, they will fold the paper again and transfer the paint onto the blank half, creating a symmetrical pattern. Students can also make symmetry collages with stickers, paper cut-outs, buttons and pompoms.
Pre-kindergarten children practice cutting skills and gain an awareness of symmetry while cutting out geometric shapes. Fold a piece of paper in two and draw just one half of a shape along the seam. The students will cut the line and then unfold the paper to reveal a complete shape. Students can use this technique to create hearts for Valentine's Day or shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day.
Introduce symmetry in the science center by exposing the children to symmetrical patterns in nature. Capture butterflies and ladybugs and put them in small plastic terrariums for students to observe. Make sure to release them once the children have a chance to identify the symmetrical patterns on the wings. Also stock the science center with various leaves, and ask the children to fold them in half as a symmetry test.
Pre-kindergarten children have frequent exposure to the alphabet as they build language skills for kindergarten. When discussing the concept of symmetry with the children, show them the alphabet and explain that some of the letters have symmetry while others do not. Ask them to draw a line down the middle of each letter and determine if both sides match exactly. They will observe symmetry in some letters, including W, X, H and M.
While working in the block area with students, arrange the blocks in patterns that demonstrate symmetry. Flat, plastic tanagram shapes also make symmetrical patterns when arranged properly. Start with a simple pattern, such as two squares side by side, then maintain the symmetry by adding the same shape to each side as you build. Give students a set of tanagrams and ask them to create symmetrical designs.