Areas of Learning: Mathematical Development, Creative Development and Knowledge and Understanding of the World.
Context: The children have been exploring patterns and symmetry. They had explored symmetrical patterns in the environment and created symmetrical patterns together using shapes.
Learning Intentions:To talk about, recognise and create simple symmetrical patterns (MD).
To use the symmetry tool in a simple paint program (KUW).
To choose colours and tools for a purpose (CD).
Child Speak Targets: I am learning to/can create a symmetrical pattern.
I am learning to/can use the symmetrical tool.
Key Vocabulary: symmetrical, pattern, repeating, colour, palette, tool, mouse, arrow, click, paintbrush, size, undo, print.

You will need: Simple paint program.
Demonstrate how to select the symmetry tool in the paint program. Discuss what happens as you use different tools on each side of the screen.

Top tip: In RM Colour Magic, the children will need to work at Green Level and select the "Vertical Symmetry" tool before they can create their picture.

In talking pairs, ask the children to plan the tools, tool sizes and colours that they are going to use:

What colour is your butterfly going to be?
Which tools are you going to use?
How are you going to print your work?

Ask children to print their work using the print icon.

Activity One
You will need: paper, paint.
Encourage the children to create symmetrical patterns by folding their paper in half, painting on one side of the paper and then folding the paper back over.

Activity Two
You will need: digital camera.
Look for symmetrical patterns in the outdoor environment. Use the digital camera to record and make a display.

Thinking Questions: Can you find a symmetric pattern? Why is the pattern symmetrical?
How are you going to make a symmetrical pattern on your page?
How did you select the symmetry tool?
Where else can you find a symmetrical pattern?