Springtime Symmetry

Ages/Grades:

Toddler (with supervision & support)

Preschool

Early Elementary

 

Learning Domains:

• • Math
• • Cognitive Development
• • Fine Motor Skills
• • Language & Communication
• • Science & Nature

 

Materials:

• • Spring Symmetry Cards Download
• • Crayons, markers, or other materials to color the cards
• • Mirror, blocks, or other loose parts for extensions (optional)

Preparation

• • Print and cut out the symmetry cards onto sturdy paper or cardstock.
• • Color with crayons or markers, if desired.
• • Sort cards into two piles: whole images and their matching halves.
• • Laminate for durability (optional).

 

Ready, Set, Play!

 

Game 1: Spring Symmetry Memory

• • Lay all cards face-down in a grid.
• • Take turns flipping two cards to find a symmetrical pair (one half + its matching full image).
• • If a match is found, the player keeps the pair; if not, turn them back over.
• • Work together to match all of the pairs!

 

Game 2: Symmetry Sorting Challenge

• • Mix all the cards together and invite children to sort them into two groups: full images and halves.
• • Once sorted, work together to find matching pairs by comparing shapes, patterns, and colors.
• • Challenge children to place halves beside their full image matches to "complete the picture."

 

Game 3: “Go Match!”

• • Deal 3–4 cards to each child (adjust based on age and attention span). Place the rest face-down in a “pond” in the middle.
• • Players take turns asking a friend, “Do you have the match for this card?”—showing one of their cards (either a half or a full image).
• • If the other player has the symmetrical match (e.g., the other half of a ladybug, or a matching full image), they give it to the asking player, who sets the pair aside as a match.
• • If not, the responding player says, “Go match!” and the child draws one card from the pond.
• • The game continues until all matches are made. Celebrate everyone's pairs at the end!

 

Tips

• • Focus on visual language: “Look at the wings—do they match?” or “Is this side the same as the other?”
• • Encourage collaborative play rather than competition: “Let’s help each other find all the matches!”

 

Engage Children in Conversation

• Let’s look closely—how would you tell someone else what this looks like? Can you describe the shapes, colors, or lines?
• Let’s look at these two cards—how are they alike? How are they different?
• Can you think of something in nature that looks like this?
• Can you think of other objects that have two matching sides?
• Let’s look at your shirt/shoes/leaf. Do you think it has symmetry?
• If we fold this in half, would both sides look the same?

 

Extensions

• Go on a springtime symmetry walk. Look for butterflies, flowers, and leaves that show symmetry.
• Use a mirror to explore symmetry! Place it against one side of a halved card to "complete" the image.
• Invite children to a “symmetry challenge” with blocks or loose parts. Take turns adding details to make both sides match.
• Create your own symmetrical drawings using folded paper and paint blots or markers.

 

 

Modifications

• For toddlers, simplify the activity by starting with only 3–4 pairs.
• Approach games collaboratively – instead of competing, work together to find matches.
• Focus on matching by color or shape before introducing the term symmetry.