- Definition
Symmetry means that if you draw a line down the middle of something, both sides look exactly the same, like a butterfly's wings. In dance, it means dancers on one side of the stage are mirrored by dancers on the other side.
When a dancer stands with both arms stretched out to the sides, their body has symmetry.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Symmetry is like folding a piece of paper in half and cutting out a shape, so when you open it, both sides are exactly the same.
Ask your child: Can you make both sides of your body match?
Common mix-up: Kids may think being 'balanced' is the same as symmetrical. For true symmetry, the two halves must be exact mirror images of each other.
Examples
- A drawing of a face where the left side is a mirror image of the right side.
- Two dancers on opposite sides of the stage, striking the exact same pose.
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 ↗
