We observe symmetry in any object if it can be split into two identical halves. Asymmetric indicates that an item cannot be split into two identical parts. 

This teaching guide aims at making the idea of symmetry more understandable and aid educators by offering teaching resources including animated stories, eye-catching posters, and practical activities.

• When 2 halves of any object show exact resemblance or similarity, it is said to be symmetrical. 
• In symmetrical shapes, one half of the object acts as the mirror image of the other object.

Symmetric Figures	Asymmetric Figures
When 2 halves of any object show exact resemblance or similarity, it is said to be in perfect symmetry.	When 2 halves of any object do not show exact resemblance or similarity, it is said to be asymmetric.
In asymmetrical figures, one half of the object does not act as the mirror image of the other object.	Examples – square, rectangle, circle, etc.
Symmetrical Figures are regular shapes with a line of symmetry passing through the centre.	Asymmetrical figures are irregular shapes with no line of symmetry.
Examples – Squares, rectangles, circles, etc.	Examples – rocks, broken leaves, scalene triangles, starfish, etc.

• A line of symmetry is an imaginary line that passes through the centre of any symmetrical shape.
• Any symmetrical shape can be folded into 2 equal and identical halves along its line of symmetry.

Vertical Line of Symmetry :

This is a line that runs up and down and divides an object into two identical halves. For instance, if we have a shape that can be split into two equal halves by a straight line running vertically, we say it has a vertical line of symmetry.

Horizontal Line of Symmetry :

This is a line that divides a shape into two identical halves when it is split horizontally, either from right to left or vice versa. For example, if a shape can be split into two equal parts by a horizontal line, it has a horizontal line of symmetry.

Diagonal Line of Symmetry :

This is a line that divides a shape into two identical halves when it is split along the diagonal corners. For instance, if we can split a square shape into two equal halves by cutting it across the corners, we say it has a diagonal line of symmetry.

One Line of Symmetry :

Shapes with one line of symmetry are only symmetrical about one axis. This axis can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. For example, the letter “A” has one line of symmetry, which is the vertical line down its center.

Two Lines of Symmetry :

Shapes with two lines of symmetry are symmetrical about two different lines. These lines can be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. For example, a rectangle has two lines of symmetry: one vertical and one horizontal.

Infinite Lines of Symmetry :

Shapes with infinite lines of symmetry are symmetrical about multiple lines. These lines can be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. Again, a rectangle is an example of a shape with infinite lines of symmetry because it has an infinite number of vertical and horizontal lines that divide it into identical halves.

Symmetry can be observed in different ways when we flip, turn, or slide an object. There are four types of symmetry.

Reflective Symmetry In 2D Shapes

• When one half of the shape or object is the reflection of the other half, it exhibits reflective symmetry.
• A shape or pattern which is reflected along its line of symmetry. 
• A line of symmetry divides the shape into its 2 mirror images.
• A shape should have at least one line of symmetry to show reflective symmetry.

Rotational Symmetry In 2D Shapes

• When any shape looks the same on being rotated more than half a turn is said to show rotational symmetry.
• It is also called radial symmetry.
• The number of times the shape fits into its boundary exactly while taking one complete rotation is called the order of rotational symmetry.
• For example- An Equilateral Triangle with an order of symmetry as 3.

When there is any change in the appearance of the figure it is said to show transformation. There are 4 types of transformations.

• Translation occurs when any figure slides in one direction.
• Reflection occurs when any figure flips over a line.
• Rotation occurs when any figure rotates to a certain degree around a point.
• Dilation occurs when any figure expands or contracts keeping its shape the same. It is also called resizing.

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Teaching symmetry with kid-friendly, clear, and easy-to-understand posters from Uncle Math School by Fun2Do Labs :

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Ignite kids’ curiosity with engaging stories for role play and skits, making the learning of this concept an exciting and effective experience. Teaching symmetry through stories from Uncle Math School by Fun2Do Labs :

• Visit To The Symmetry Land
• The Four Locks Mystery
• The Mysterious Parcel

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Learning symmetry can be made enjoyable by incorporating interactive games and activities.

This is one of the most exhilarating activities for children to understand the concept of symmetry. This activity can be carried out in the following steps :

• Take children outdoors and instruct them to collect 3 symmetric and 3 asymmetric objects, they see around them like flowers, leaves, rocks, feathers, etc. 
• Children can trace their collections on a page and label them as symmetric and asymmetric shapes.

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Help your kids practise symmetry with interesting and engaging fun worksheets and solutions from Uncle Math by Fun2Do Labs.

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• Introduction To Geometry