Skip to main content

Reflecting, rotating and translating shapes

Reflecting, rotating and translating shapes
A KS2 maths worksheet created by an experienced teacher to help your child understand reflecting, rotating and translating shapes.

Can you draw this shape’s reflection in the mirror line?
Keystage:  KS2, Year 5, Year 6

What does reflecting a shape mean in KS2 maths?

In KS2 maths, reflecting shapes is when a shape is flipped over a line, like looking at it in a mirror. 

The line it flips over is sometimes called the mirror line or line of reflection

After reflecting, the shape stays the same, but its position changes to the opposite side of the mirror line. 

What does rotating a shape mean in KS2 maths?

In KS2 maths, rotating a shape means turning the shape around a fixed point, called the centre of rotation

The shape can be rotated by different amounts, like 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 360 degrees, either clockwise (the way a clock's hands move) or anticlockwise. 

The size and shape of the object don't change, only its direction or position. 

What does translating a shape mean in KS2 maths?

In KS2 maths, translating a shape means moving the shape from one place to another without changing its size, shape, or orientation. 

Translation can happen in any direction, such as left, right, up, or down, and the distance moved is usually described using coordinates. 

How will this worksheet about shapes help your KS2 child?

This teacher-made resource covers reflecting, rotating and translating shapes in KS2 maths. It's colourful, easy-to-understand and provides plenty of practice for your child. 

For more help with shape and space, check out our hub page.