Symmetrical patterns for Year 4, over three pages. On page 1 one quarter of a pattern is shaded on an 8 by 8 grid with a vertical and a horizontal mirror line, and pupils shade the other three quarters. Page 2 gives a blank grid with both mirror lines for their own design. They then count the squares they shaded and say whether the total is a multiple of 4. The key shows the finished page 1 pattern. It follows England National Curriculum properties of shapes.
Geometry - properties of shapes
“complete a simple symmetric figure with respect to a specific line of symmetry”
Page 1 asks pupils to complete a pattern across two mirror lines, and page 2 asks them to build a pattern that works in both.
A grid with six shaded squares in the top left quarter. Pupils shade the other three quarters so the pattern matches in both mirror lines.
A blank grid with both mirror lines. After designing, pupils write how many squares they shaded, tick whether it is a multiple of 4 and explain why.
The finished pattern with 24 shaded squares, 6 in each quarter, and an explanation of why the total is always a multiple of 4.
Quiet design task
Use page 2 as a quiet task. Ask pupils to check that each quarter matches before they count the total.
Class totals
Collect the totals on the board. Every number is in the 4 times table, which leads straight into the last question.
Wall display
Cut out the designs and display them with the mirror lines drawn on in pen.
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