Symmetry Animals Early Finisher Art Activity for Middle School

Symmetry animals for middle school students are symmetry drawing worksheets that function as early finisher activities and are the perfect early finisher to incorporate into your classroom or homeschool space this school year. What's nice about the theme of symmetry animals is that the animals provide variety to students. Most students can relate to liking animals and with 34 designs to choose from. Students will have lots of choices and options of the symmetry drawing animal that they get to complete. To learn more about symmetry animals keep reading the blog post below!


Symmetry Animals

Learn more about how to use this resource and set up early finisher activities in your classroom or homeschool setting below!


Beyond “Busy Work”: Using Early-Finisher Art to Inspire and Educate

When a student wraps up their main work earlier than expected, it’s tempting to hand them a colouring sheet or extra worksheet. But could those precious spare moments become opportunities for deeper learning instead? Absolutely—and here’s why symmetry drawing makes a powerful early-finisher activity.


The Value of Thoughtful Early-Finisher Activities

  • Meaningful engagement over filler
    Early-finishers benefit most from activities that challenge their minds and extend learning— not just keep them occupied. Thoughtful, independent tasks empower students to take ownership of their learning journey.

  • Shifting mental gears promotes focus
    Flexing different types of thinking, like switching from memorizing facts to creative tasks, refocuses students and primes them for future learning.

  • Fostering independence and classroom freedom
    A well-designed early-finisher station simplifies routines—students know exactly what to do when they finish and don’t disrupt instruction.


Animals Symmetry Drawing – Middle School Early Finishers

This resource is tailored for students in grades 5–7 and features 68 symmetry drawing worksheets with 34 animal designs—each available with or without a grid background.Teachers Pay Teachers


Why it works so well for early finishers:

  • Cross-curricular learning: Integrates geometry (symmetry, counting squares) with visual arts and biology—perfect for reinforcing math and science skills through art.

  • Builds drawing skills: The grid version aids accuracy and reinforces realistic drawing and attention to detail; the non-grid version offers a challenge.

  • Instills patience and precision: Completing a symmetrical design requires care—students develop perseverance and fine motor control.

  • Calming and engaging: A quiet, creative task that also helps students decompress—ideal after a busy activity or recess.


How to Set It Up in Your Learning Space

  1. Create an Accessible “Finish Strong” Station
    Add the symmetry worksheets to an early-finisher resource station—label bins or place them in binders for easy student access.

  2. Offer Choice, Encourage Pride
    Let students choose from different animals or formats (grid vs. plain). Self-direction fuels motivation and enjoyment.

  3. Use as a Form of Informal Check-In
    While students draw, you can observe hand–eye coordination, drawing ease, and fine motor control — small clues to developmental progress.

  4. Rotate Themes for Fresh Engagement
    Swap in new themes—wildlife, habitats, or holiday versions—to maintain excitement and relevance.

  5. Share Art as Motivation
    Celebrate completed pieces with a classroom gallery or digital showcase. Recognizing effort boosts confidence and invites creative exploration.



Click the button below to check out the best seller -symmetry animals resource!

Symmetry Animals
 

Perfect for Homeschool - Try the Symmetry Animals Book

You can purchase a symmetry animals as a digital PDF download that includes 68 pages for you to print and photocopy the work sheets that you wish to use or you can purchase a book of the symmetry animals available on Amazon. 

Animal Symmetry Book


The nice thing about the symmetry animals book is that your child can take the book with them it's perfect for waiting in the doctor's office to be used in road tracks travelling in the airport. Your child can keep this book in her backpack along with a pencil and a razor and that's all they need to be able to complete their symmetry animals. 



By using the symmetry animals book you're able to incorporate your homeschool routine on the go and you're not confined and limited to work sheets or anything like that to check out the symmetry animals book click on the button below. 

Animal Symmetry Book