Symmetry Art Project Balance Bugs Art Lesson Plan Primary Symmetry Art Lesson

In this Symmetry Balance Bugs Art Lesson, students explore symmetry and the principle of design: balance by creating their own bugs. It is a fully prepped art lesson plan with reading and writing activities, made for classroom teachers, art educators and homeschool parents working with PreK to Grade 2.

Students think about how artists use balance and symmetry, why it matters in artwork and how it shows up in nature. The original poem, read and respond passages and writing prompts connect the lesson to literacy, and the rubric, artist statements and reflection sheets give you evidence of learning.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF AND POWERPOINT STEP-BY-STEP)

• Full Lesson Plan with a literacy-based hook using the original poem "Bugs and Balance"
• Mediums and Materials list
• KWL Chart
• Teacher Guide explaining balance and symmetry in student-friendly terms
• Step-by-Step Visuals and Instructions (PowerPoint and PDF versions)
• How-to-Draw Pages for the symmetrical bug design
• Poster Sample, a full-color example for display and your lesson hook
• Critical Thinking Questions
• Poem: "Bugs and Balance"
• Read and Respond Worksheets, two levels of passages with comprehension questions and an answer key
• Writing and Drawing Prompts where students imagine life as a bug
• Reflection Worksheets: 3 Stars and a Wish, Artist's Statement (with example), Feelings and Emotions Reflection, Artwork Reflection (hardest and favorite parts), Top 3, Questions and Wonders log
• Symmetry Practice Sheet, a half-drawn bug to complete as a mirrored artwork
• "Design It" Page where students design a bug hotel
• Gallery Walk Guide
• Assessment Rubric covering creativity, craftsmanship, responsibility and project criteria
• Display Sign

HOW TO USE IT

Teach it as a full art lesson, a cross-curricular project with literacy and science connections, or part of a larger unit on the Principles of Design. Finish with the gallery walk so students share their artwork and reflect as a group.

Cross-curricular connections include literacy (poem, read and respond passages, writing reflections, write and draw, artist's statements), science and nature (symmetry and balance in insects and the natural world) and social-emotional learning (reflection prompts that connect feelings to the creative process). National Core Arts Standards listed: VA:Cr2.1.PKa, VA:Cn10.1.PKa, VA:Re8.1.PKa, VA:Cr1.1.Ka, VA:Cr2.1.Ka, VA:Cr2.1.1a, VA:Cr2.2.1a, VA:Cr1.2.2a, VA:Cr2.1.2a and VA:Cr1.2.3a.

FAQ

Who can use this art resource?

Classroom teachers, art educators and homeschool parents working with PreK to Grade 2 students.

How long does the project take?

The core lesson fits into 2 to 3 class periods, depending on grade level, class size and student pace. Reflection activities and gallery walks can extend it further.

What materials are needed?

Oil pastels, tempera paint, card stock or thick paper, brushes and water.

Is it flexible for different grade levels?

Yes. It is designed for PreK to 2, and the extensions, reflections and literacy tie-ins make it adaptable for early elementary learners.

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and OCO (One Classroom Over) Magazine, and designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this in your classroom, homeschool or as part of a student portfolio, display student work publicly or privately, and use clip art (if applicable) for personal creations, binder covers and décor.

YOU MAY NOT: share the file with other educators or post it online, use this on OutSchool or your blog, or resell, photocopy for others or use it without appropriate licensing.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic