🔍Search 🛍Shop ⭐Ad-free 🛒 👤Log in

Copy the Butterfly – Draw the Missing Half on the Grid

🪞 Copy the PictureAge 5-6MediumAnimals🇺🇸 Kindergarten🇬🇧 Year 1🇦🇺 Foundation (Prep)🇮🇳 UKG

Next: Copy the Heart – Symmetry Grid →

Half of a pretty butterfly is already drawn on the grid. Can your child finish it? In this free copy-the-picture activity, children look at the coloured squares on the right side and fill in the matching squares on the left side, box by box, until a whole butterfly appears.

It is a gentle introduction to symmetry and grid reading for preschool and early primary children. Use it on screen or print it out for quiet time, classroom corners and holiday practice. No reading is needed, so even young learners can join in happily.

How to play

  1. Look at the right half of the picture and find the line down the middle of the grid.
  2. Start with the top row. Count how many squares across from the middle line are filled on the right side.
  3. Fill the same squares on the left side, the same number of boxes away from the middle line.
  4. Work row by row to the bottom, then check: both halves should look exactly the same, like a mirror.

This activity builds early maths and drawing skills at the same time. Your child practises symmetry, learning that one half of a shape can mirror the other. Counting squares across each row strengthens one-to-one counting, left and right awareness, and careful visual matching. Filling neat boxes also develops pencil control and hand strength, which helps with handwriting later. Because the butterfly appears only when the work is accurate, children get instant, friendly feedback and learn to check their own answers. Sit nearby, ask "How many boxes from the middle?", and let your child explain their thinking. Repeat with different colours for extra practice.

Frequently asked questions

What age is this butterfly symmetry activity best for?
It suits children aged about 5 to 6 years, and younger children can try it with an adult counting the squares aloud. Older children aged 7 or 8 can finish it quickly and then design their own symmetric picture on a blank grid.
Can I print this grid activity?
Yes. The activity is free and printable, so you can take a paper copy for travel, classroom work or screen-free time. Printing also lets your child colour the butterfly with crayons or pencils once both halves match.
What is symmetry and how do I explain it simply?
Symmetry means both halves of a picture look the same, like a mirror image. Show your child a real example, such as a butterfly, a leaf or their own face, and fold a paper shape in half so the two sides sit exactly on top of each other.
My child keeps filling the wrong square. How can I help?
Encourage counting out loud from the middle line: one box, two boxes, three boxes. Pointing with a finger on both sides at once helps a lot. Working one row at a time, instead of the whole picture, also makes the task much easier.

More copy the picture

🪞 Copy the Heart – Symmetry Grid🪞 Copy the Picture · Age 5-6

More Animals activities

🐮 Wild Animal Sounds in English🐮 Animals and Their Sounds · Age 2-3 📖 My First English Words: Animals📖 Picture Dictionary · Age 2-3 ➕ Add Animals – Picture Addition for Kids➕ Addition with Pictures · Age 4-5 ❓ Missing Letter Animal Words for Kids❓ Missing Letter · Age 4-5 🔗 Animal Letter Match Game for Kids🔗 Match Letter to Picture · Age 4-5 Butterfly Dot to Dot for Kids Butterfly Dot to Dot for Kids🔵 Dot to Dot · Age 5-6 Elephant Color by Number for Kids Elephant Color by Number for Kids🔢 Color by Number · Age 4-5 🐮 Wild Animal Sounds for Kids🐮 Animals and Their Sounds · Age 3-4

Updated 1 Nov 2026