NCERT Maths Mela, Class 5, textbook pages 136–141

How to teach Class 5 Maths Chapter 10, Symmetrical Designs, at home

Lines of symmetry and cut-out designs, 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.

AHA: 1 line H: 2 lines

NCERT Class 5 Maths Chapter 10 Symmetrical Designs: what it teaches

Letters and designs can be cut from folded paper: one fold for one line of symmetry, two folds for two. Your child finds lines of symmetry in letters and shapes and designs their own symmetrical patterns.

Why it matters later. Symmetry is used in geometry, design and science; rotational symmetry comes later.

See it: this chapter in pictures

A
Draw half the letter on the fold.
AFHNSTgreen: symmetrical red: not
Check letters with a mirror.
Count squares from the line to mirror a design.

You need

  • paper
  • scissors
  • a small mirror
  • squared paper

Tonight’s 10 minutes

  1. Fold a paper once, draw half an A on the fold, cut and open.
  2. Fold twice to cut an H with two lines of symmetry.
  3. Sort capital letters by number of lines of symmetry: 0, 1 or 2.
  4. Complete half-designs on squared paper.

Words to use

  • line of symmetry
  • fold
  • reflection
  • vertical
  • horizontal

Watch for

  • Cutting away from the fold, getting two separate halves. Keep the letter’s middle on the folded edge.
  • Thinking N or S have a line of symmetry. Test with a mirror: they don’t.

What it sounds like at home

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

YouHow do we cut an H in one go?

Your childFold twice, draw a quarter.

YouHow many lines of symmetry then?

Your child2.

YouDoes F have one?

Your childNo, the mirror shows it’s different.

A game for this week: Letter sort

  1. Write the capital letters A to Z on cards.
  2. Sort them into 0, 1 and 2 lines of symmetry.
  3. Check each with a mirror.
  4. Most correct sorts wins.

A 5-day plan, 10 minutes a day

  1. Day 1Cut an A from a single fold.
  2. Day 2Cut an H from two folds.
  3. Day 3Sort letters by symmetry.
  4. Day 4Complete half-designs.
  5. Day 5Letter sort game.

Everyday moments to practise

  • Birthday cut-out letters.
  • Rangoli.
  • Butterflies.
  • Logos and signs.

Quick check

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

How many lines of symmetry does H have?

2.

Which has no line of symmetry: A, F or T?

F.

How many folds to cut an H?

2 (once vertically, once horizontally).

Ready for the next chapter when your child…

  • Finds lines of symmetry.
  • Cuts symmetrical letters from folded paper.
  • Completes symmetrical designs.

Activities, wording and illustrations are Mathify Kids’ own, following the topics of NCERT’s Maths Mela (Class 5). See the full Class 5 parent guide for every chapter.

Questions parents ask

What is a line of symmetry?

A line that divides a shape into two mirror halves.

How many lines of symmetry does H have?

2.

Why fold paper twice?

Two folds give a design with two lines of symmetry.