Engage your students in a creative and hands-on exploration of symmetry with the Symmetrical Tiles Collaborative Class Display. This versatile resource combines mathematical thinking with artistic expression as students design and complete symmetrical tile patterns to contribute to a vibrant class-wide display. Whether you're focusing on line symmetry, rotational symmetry, or giving students the freedom to create, this activity is the perfect fusion of geometry and creativity.

This resource includes three versions of the task to suit different student levels and learning goals. Students can complete patterns that demonstrate line symmetry, explore more advanced rotational symmetry, or design their own tile from scratch using the included blank template. With light grid lines and stencil shapes to support accuracy and layout, students will be guided in building precision alongside their understanding of symmetrical design principles.

Once students have completed their tiles using coloured pencils, markers, or paints, assemble them into a large-scale class display. The final product is a striking and colourful showcase of the students’ understanding of symmetry, as well as a meaningful addition to your maths or art-themed classroom wall. This collaborative project encourages individual creativity while reinforcing key geometric concepts, making it a perfect project for the middle or end of your symmetry unit.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Recognise and apply line symmetry in two-dimensional patterns
• ✅ Understand and demonstrate rotational symmetry in design
• ✅ Create original patterns using symmetry principles and visual planning
• ✅ Develop fine motor skills and spatial reasoning through hands-on tasks
• ✅ Contribute to a collaborative class display celebrating geometry and creativity

What’s Included:

• Three differentiated tile design templates:
• Line symmetry pattern task
• Rotational symmetry pattern task
• Blank tile for student-created patterns
• Light grid lines to support accurate drawing and alignment
• Stencil shapes to assist with clean and consistent pattern making

Materials Needed:

• Printed tile templates
• Coloured pencils, markers, or paints
• Scissors and glue (if cutting and assembling into a final display)
• Backing paper or display board for assembling the final class mosaic

How to Use:

1. Introduce line and rotational symmetry using visual models or posters.
2. Distribute the chosen tile template to each student, or let them choose based on interest or ability.
3. Guide students in completing the symmetrical design using grid lines and stencil shapes as support.
4. Have students colour or paint their tiles using a consistent palette or individual choices.
5. Assemble the finished tiles together on a classroom wall or bulletin board to create a large collaborative display.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a culminating project at the end of your symmetry unit
• 💡 Introduce in art rotations as part of maths integration activities
• 💡 Encourage students to explain their symmetry choice before starting their tile
• 💡 Invite students to title or write reflections about their tile for an interactive display
• 💡 Display alongside vocabulary posters or anchor charts to reinforce key terms

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print on thick paper or cardstock for a longer-lasting display
• 💛 Use pastel or metallic pencils for a visually stunning effect
• 💛 Let students create smaller versions for their maths books before working on the final tile
• 💛 Involve families by creating a school-wide symmetry display during open classroom events

Symmetrical Tiles Collaborative Class Display is a curriculum-aligned activity that celebrates symmetry through student creativity and teamwork—perfect for reinforcing geometric understanding while creating something beautiful and memorable for your classroom.

Continue students’ exploration of symmetry with our Line & Rotational Symmetry Sort.