Practical 11 Plus Maths Activities for Home Using Mirrors
1 November 2026
Using mirrors for 11 plus maths at home
Mirrors are a simple tool for making maths practical and visual. They help children see patterns, symmetry, and angles in a hands-on way, which is ideal for 11 plus preparation at home.
Exploring symmetry with mirrors
Fold a piece of paper in half and draw half a shape, such as a triangle or a heart, along the fold. Place a mirror along the fold. Your child will see the whole shape reflected, making symmetry clear and memorable.
Angles and reflections
Place a mirror on a protractor or next to an angle drawn on paper. Ask your child to predict what the angle will look like in the mirror. This helps them understand how angles add up, especially when exploring right angles and straight lines.
Worked example: measuring with a mirror
Draw a straight line 6 cm long on a piece of paper.
Place a small mirror at one end of the line, so the line is reflected.
Ask your child to measure the length of the line they see, including the reflection.
6 cm (original line) + 6 cm (reflected line) = 12 cm
The total length seen with the mirror is 12 cm.
Key insight: mirrors make abstract ideas concrete
Using mirrors lets your child see symmetry, reflections, and angles come to life. This hands-on approach builds confidence and supports deeper understanding of key 11 plus maths concepts at home.
