Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the concept of symmetry and geometry through the creation of paper snowflakes, while also enhancing their creativity and fine motor skills.

Materials and Prep

• Paper (any kind, but white is preferred)
• Scissors
• Pencil (optional for sketching designs)
• Ruler (optional for measuring)

Before starting, remind the student that snowflakes are unique and that there are no wrong designs. Encourage creativity and exploration!

Activities

• Snowflake Design Sketching

  Start by having the student sketch out some snowflake designs on a piece of paper. Encourage them to think about different shapes and patterns, focusing on symmetry.

• Folding the Paper

  Demonstrate how to fold the paper to create different sizes and shapes of snowflakes. Explain the importance of folding correctly to achieve symmetrical designs.

• Cutting Out the Snowflakes

  Once the paper is folded, let the student use scissors to cut out their designs. Remind them to cut carefully and to be adventurous with their shapes!

• Decorating the Snowflakes

  After cutting, the student can decorate their snowflakes with colors or glitter (if available). This adds a personal touch to their creations!

• Snowflake Gallery

  Finally, create a "Snowflake Gallery" by hanging their snowflakes around the room. This can be a fun way to showcase their work!

Talking Points

• "Did you know that no two snowflakes are exactly alike? Just like your designs!"
• "Symmetry is when one side of something is a mirror image of the other. Can you find the symmetry in your snowflake?"
• "What shapes do you see in your snowflake? Are there triangles, circles, or other shapes?"
• "When we fold the paper, we are creating layers. How many layers do you think we need for a great snowflake?"
• "Cutting is an important skill. How can we make sure to cut safely and effectively?"
• "Let’s think about patterns. What patterns can you create with your cuts?"
• "Why do you think snowflakes form in such unique ways? Nature is pretty amazing, right?"
• "What colors do you want to use to decorate your snowflake? How do colors change the way we see things?"
• "Can you count how many snowflakes you made? How about we create a snowflake family!"
• "Once we hang up your snowflakes, how do you feel seeing your art displayed? It’s like a winter wonderland!"