Support your students in developing a strong understanding of symmetry with our Line & Rotational Symmetry Sort! This hands-on cut and paste activity is designed to help students distinguish between line symmetry, rotational symmetry and non-symmetrical objects through sorting and categorisation tasks.   This resource includes multiple variations so you can differentiate to meet student needs. Students can complete a simple picture sort, a definitions and objects match, or a more advanced task where they create and write their own definitions and examples. The different levels allow you to scaffold or extend based on your classroom context and learning goals.   Ideal for individual, partner or small group use, this task can be easily prepared as a re-usable sorting station when printed on thick card or enlarged to A3. It’s perfect for introducing the concept of symmetry, consolidating after a lesson, or checking prior knowledge through a quick pre-assessment. With clear visuals and an engaging format, it’s a versatile addition to any geometry or shape-focused unit.  

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and classify line symmetry, rotational symmetry and non-symmetry
• ✅ Describe the features of symmetrical and non-symmetrical shapes
• ✅ Use visual reasoning to compare and sort objects by symmetry type
• ✅ Strengthen geometry vocabulary and concept understanding
• ✅ Apply knowledge of symmetry in written and practical tasks

 

What’s Included:

• Three differentiated symmetry sort activities:
  • - Picture-only sorting task (line, rotational, non-symmetry)
  • - Definition and picture sorting task
  • - Open-ended create-your-own definitions and object sort
• Cut and paste templates for all versions
• Clear headers and layout for sorting

 

Materials Needed:

• Printed activity pages
• Scissors and glue sticks for cut and paste
• Coloured pencils or markers (optional for student-created sections)
• Optional: cardstock or write-and-wipe sleeves for reuse

 

How to Use:

1. Choose the activity level that best suits your students: picture-only sort, definitions and objects sort, or the open-ended design-your-own version.
2. Print and distribute the sorting sheets and cutting templates to students.
3. Students cut out the image or definition cards and sort them into the correct category on the sorting mat: line symmetry, rotational symmetry or non-symmetry.
4. In the open-ended version, students write their own definitions and draw examples for each category before cutting and sorting.
5. Discuss results as a class or with partners, focusing on vocabulary and identifying features of each symmetry type.

 

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as an introductory task or pre-assessment to gauge prior understanding
• 💡 Set up as a station during a geometry rotation with laminated pieces
• 💡 Encourage students to work with a partner and explain their choices aloud
• 💡 Pair with a follow-up drawing or scavenger hunt activity to find symmetry in the classroom
• 💡 Extend students by asking them to find examples of rotational symmetry in real-life objects

 

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print and cut sorting pieces ahead of time to save prep during busy weeks
• 💛 Model each symmetry type before students begin, using classroom objects
• 💛 Store laminated pieces in labelled envelopes for use in future lessons
• 💛 Use the open-ended version as an informal assessment of student understanding

  Line & Rotational Symmetry Sort is a practical and engaging resource to support geometry understanding. With clear visuals, flexible levels and a hands-on format, it’s the perfect way to bring symmetry concepts to life across a range of year levels.   You might also enjoy our Symmetrical Patterns worksheets for further symmetry practise!