NCERT Maths Mela, Class 3, textbook pages 177–191

How to teach Class 3 Maths Chapter 14, The Surajkund Fair, at home

Symmetry, tiling and maps, taught with things you already have at home: a 10-minute activity, a game for the week, a 5-day plan and the mistakes to watch for.

foldline

NCERT Class 3 Maths Chapter 14 The Surajkund Fair: what it teaches

At the fair, your child makes bead malas and masks that look the same on both sides (symmetry), fits tiles together without gaps, and follows a map using left, right and forward.

Why it matters later. Symmetry and tiling lead to geometry and patterns in Class 4 and 5; map directions are used in geography too.

See it: this chapter in pictures

same on both sides: symmetrical
Fold the mala in the middle: both halves match.
squares: no gapscircles: gaps
Some shapes tile with no gaps; others cannot.
start★forward, turn left, turn right
Maps use forward, left and right.

You need

  • beads of two colours and a string
  • paper and scissors
  • paper tiles (squares, triangles)
  • a simple drawn map of your home

Tonight’s 10 minutes

  1. Make an 8-bead mala with 4 beads of each colour. Is it the same on both halves?
  2. Fold a paper, cut a shape on the fold, open it: a symmetrical mask.
  3. Cover a paper rectangle with paper tiles with no gaps or overlaps.
  4. Draw a map of your home. Give directions: “2 steps forward, turn left.” Your child follows.

Words to use

  • symmetry
  • same on both sides
  • fold line
  • tile
  • no gaps
  • left
  • right
  • forward

Watch for

  • Thinking symmetry means both sides have the same colours anywhere. Fold it: each part must land on a matching part.
  • Mixing left and right on a map. Turn the map to face the way you are walking.

What it sounds like at home

A short example of the conversation. Your words will differ; the questions are what matter.

YouIs your mala the same on both halves?

Your childYes, red-blue-blue-red on both sides.

YouWhere is the fold line?

Your childIn the middle.

YouWalk forward 3 steps, turn right.

Your childI’m at the fridge!

A game for this week: Treasure map

  1. Draw a map of a room.
  2. Hide a small object and mark it on the map.
  3. Give directions: forward, left, right, steps.
  4. Your child finds the treasure, then hides it for you.

A 5-day plan, 10 minutes a day

  1. Day 1Symmetrical bead malas.
  2. Day 2Fold-and-cut masks.
  3. Day 3Tiling without gaps.
  4. Day 4Draw a home map.
  5. Day 5Treasure map game.

Everyday moments to practise

  • Rangoli and kolam designs.
  • Floor tiles.
  • Butterflies and leaves: symmetry.
  • Following directions to a shop.

Quick check

Ask these at the end of the week. Tap to see the answer.

Is the letter A symmetrical?

Yes, down the middle.

Can circles tile a floor without gaps?

No, gaps are left between them.

Facing north, you turn right. Which way are you facing?

East.

Ready for the next chapter when your child…

  • Spots symmetrical objects and fold lines.
  • Covers a space with tiles without gaps.
  • Follows and gives map directions.

Activities, wording and illustrations are Mathify Kids’ own, following the topics of NCERT’s Maths Mela (Class 3). See the full Class 3 parent guide for every chapter.

Questions parents ask

What is symmetry?

When one half is a mirror image of the other across a fold line.

What is tiling?

Covering a surface with shapes without gaps or overlaps.

Why is a map in a maths book?

Reading maps uses position, direction and distance, which are part of geometry.