- Definition
Symmetry means that if you fold a shape along a line, or spin it around a point, both halves would match up perfectly.
A drawing of a butterfly shows symmetry because the pattern on the left wing matches the pattern on the right.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Symmetry is like a butterfly's wings, where one side is a perfect mirror image of the other.
Ask your child: What happens if you fold this shape right down the middle?
Common mix-up: Kids might think symmetry just means something is balanced or has two halves. The key is that the two halves must be exact mirror images of each other.
Examples
- A simple drawing of a face has symmetry, with one eye on each side of the nose.
- Folding a paper in half and cutting a shape creates a symmetrical design when you open it.
symmetry is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 4 The Arts
- Grade 6 The Arts
- Grade 2 Mathematics
- Grade 4 Mathematics
- Grade 6 Mathematics
- Grade 7 Mathematics
+1 more mention across the curriculum
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 ↗
