Vertical Symmetry
Building Challenge

Activity Overview

Exploring mirrors is integral at many stages of development. Infants use them to play and recognize their own being, and as children get older, they learn to understand symmetry and reflection in a whole new way. Building on top of the mirrors gives the illusion that what you are building is going up and down through the mirror - vertical symmetry. Support your students by taking on a new perspective during this play with shapes and structures.

What You Need

• Blocks, MagnaTiles, or recycled materials

• Child-safe mirrors similar to those in Who Am I?

• Drawing paper

• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils

Steps

1. Place the mirror on the floor or table

2. Ask the student what they notice when they put one or two blocks on the mirror.

3. Once you have had a chance to speak with your student about what they notice, and talk through how to use the materials safely, open up the work and allow them the space to explore and build.

4. What do they notice as they build? Use guided questions to support your conversation.

Guiding Questions

• What can you build?

• What do you notice about building on a mirror?

• Does the reflection match your building?

• How tall can you build?

• Can you make patterns or shapes?

• Where else do we see this kind of symmetry?

• Can you build a rainbow that turns into a circle in the mirror?

Extensions

• Have your student make a drawing of their structure. Have them write about parts of their work, or take narration and write their words on the back of the paper.

• Take a photo and share it with us when you’re done!