KD Explores Symmetry

                                                     Symmetry in Kitah Daled

Something is symmetrical when it looks the same on both sides. Symmetry creates balance, and balance in design creates harmony, order, and aesthetically pleasing results. It is found everywhere in nature, and is probably why we find it to be so beautiful. Children tend to instinctively look for order and balance in their world, often arranging toys and belongings in rows or patterns. Learning about symmetry builds on this instinct whilst helping children learn to sort and classify, and recognize and form patterns.

 Kitah Daled explored symmetry on Chanukah using a dreidel shape. Folding the dreidel in half, they added paint on one side of the dreidel using squeeze paint bottles, which are great for building fine motor skills, to create the design of their choice. Then pressing the two sides together, the paint transferred to the other side of the dreidel.

    After opening it up, they saw the designs they made, symmetrical, on both sides of the dreidel!  This “wow” moment brought on much excitement and the students excitedly shared their thoughts with their classmates:

“It looks like a butterfly!” Lia said.  

“Look at mine!” said Aliza.

“I chose to use orange,” mentioned Jake.

“I used two blues,” said Dovid.

“I really liked that!” said Ellis.

“Woah!” said Benjamin.

    They loved it so much they wanted to continue doing it, and when the dreidels ran out, we used regular paper to continue the symmetry.

Since this activity was such a hit, and IJP’s Reggio-inspired philosophy follows the interests of the students, the Morahs are infusing symmetry in this year's art, social-emotional and pre-writing curriculums. Look out for our next project: symmetry self-portraits!