Don't overlook small activities. Small activities can actually lead to big learning. I showed this symmetry paper trick to my 10 year old and he saw the answer right away, but my 6 year old had to watch it several times. He focused, concentrated and kicked his spatial perception into gear. His brain was working! Then, he had to try it for himself. He used his memory and recall skills, along with his understanding of math and geometry to fold and refold the paper until he got it right. He didn't get it right the first time, but he used his executive function skills to execute a plan and achieve a goal.
He was mighty pleased with himself once he figured it out. As he should be. And I was pleased. Because this one seemingly small achievement means he will go on to apply this same growth mindset to bigger challenges.
All that from a "silly" little paper trick.
Here's how it works (because I know after that introduction you will want to try it for yourself):
Print out the two dot printable and cut to size (or design your own).
Fold the paper in half from left to right.
Fold the paper in half from top to bottom.
Perform silly hand gestures. (See video for the secret.)
Unfold the paper by raising the bottom back portion of the paper. (I couldn't really get a photo of this, so see the video if you are confused. In the video I perform the trick a second time making all the actions perfectly clear. It's very simple once you see it in action.)
Unfold and open.
Ooh and ahh!
Watch a video of it in action:
NOTE: If you are having trouble viewing the video watch it on YouTube here.
Extensions for learning:
- Believe it or not, there is some math at work here. Ask your kids what they know about symmetry and rotation.
- What happens when you perform the trick with a non-symmetrical image? Try writing "1, 2, 3" on a piece of paper and see what happens.
- Try drawing a big arrow pointing left. What direction is the arrow pointing after the folding trick?
- What happens if you rotate the paper 90 degrees and then perform the trick?
- Perform the trick for a friend. How long does it take them to guess the secret?
- Create symmetry with this art project or explore symmetry with a mirror.
- Play Swish, a card game that promotes spatial awareness, and an understanding of symmetry and rotation.
- Want more paper tricks? Fool around with a Mobius strip, and turn two circles into a square.
MORE: Favorite math books - with some that feature symmetry
See more of our favorite math games in action:
becky moyer says
Is there a link for the printable? Sorry if I'm looking straight at it and missing it. this is so cute, I definitely want to try it out on my six year old!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Becky, How embarrassing! I forgot to link it in the post! 🙂 I've corrected that error, but here it is: https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/twodotsillusionsymmetrytrick.pdf
Joni says
Is there a link for the video of you folding the paper circles? I didn't see the video link for it in action so I really don't understand how this works. 🙂
Erica says
Hi Joni,
There is a video. After reading your comment I noticed it was at the top of the post but I moved it to the correct spot so you can find it right after the text "Watch a video of it in action." Thanks for your comment!
Ruth says
I do not see a link to the video. Really want to see this!
Erica says
Hi Ruth! I don't know why it's not showing up for you, but you can see the video on youtube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoTEnZW0Jkk
Michelle says
Applesauce and jiggery-pokery are my new favorite expressions. Your videos always make me laugh.
I love this idea. I can't wait to try it with my 5.5 year old. He can get so frustrated sometimes, but I really want him to learn to approach challenges with a positive attitude and not give up so easily. This seems so much like a magic trick I know he'll want to be able to this and will be motivated to keep trying until he gets it. He needs more experiences like this.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Ha ha! My two new favorite expressions, too! I hope your son enjoys the trick!
stephanie says
The video seems to have wandered off again...
Erica says
Arg! Some posts still have to old format where the video pops into the sidebar and sticks there, confusing readers. I've been trying to change that. Let me see if I can fix that.
Erica says
Ok, checked and double checked, the video is in the correct spot! Enjoy the magic. 😉
Nechama Sara says
I don't see the video...
Jamie says
(Hopefully) Helpful hint for those that aren't seeing the video: try a different browser.
I didn't see the video using my default browser, but I switched to a more mainstream one and all was there as it was supposed to be.