- Definition
Asymmetry means that parts of something are different in size or shape, but they can still look balanced overall.
A picture with a large, dark tree on one side and a small, bright sun on the other creates asymmetrical balance.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Asymmetry is like a seesaw where one side is different from the other, but it still feels balanced.
Ask your child: If you folded this picture in half, why wouldn't the sides match up?
Common mix-up: Kids often think asymmetry means a picture is messy or off-balance. An asymmetrical picture can still feel balanced and complete, even if the two sides are not mirror images.
Examples
- A photograph where a person stands on the far left, balanced by a wide open landscape on the right.
- A drawing of a vase of flowers placed on one side of a table, not in the center.
- A design on a shirt that is only on one side or shoulder.
asymmetry is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
