NCERT Revision Notes for Class 2 Maths Chapter 4: Shadow Story (Togalu) – Free PDF Download

Chapter 4 of Class 2 Maths, Shadow Story (Togalu), uses the traditional Indian game of Togalu (played with cowrie shells and shapes on a board) along with the idea of shadows to help children explore symmetry, matching shapes, and how the shape of a shadow relates to the shape of an object.

Last Updated: September 23, 2026

Key Concepts

Shadows: the dark outline formed when an object blocks light, which usually matches the flat outline (shape) of the object.

Symmetry: when one half of a shape or picture is a mirror image of the other half, so folding it along a line makes both halves match exactly.

Line of symmetry: the imaginary line along which a symmetric shape can be folded so both halves match perfectly.

Matching and mirror shapes: recognising when two shapes are identical or mirror images of each other, an idea used in the Togalu game pieces and board patterns.

Reflection: the way an object’s shape appears flipped, like in a mirror or in still water, which connects to the idea of a line of symmetry.

Worked Examples

Example 1

Does a butterfly shape usually have a line of symmetry? Yes, a butterfly’s two wings are usually mirror images of each other, so it has a line of symmetry down the middle.

Example 2

If a ball is held in front of a light, what shape will its shadow usually be? A round shadow, similar to a circle, because a ball’s outline is round from any direction.

Example 3

Fold a square piece of paper in half so both sides match exactly. How many different ways can this be done? A square can be folded along 4 different lines (two through the middle of opposite sides, and two through opposite corners) and still match.

Quick Recap

• A shadow usually matches the outline shape of the object blocking the light.
• A shape is symmetric if it can be folded along a line so both halves match exactly.
• The fold line in a symmetric shape is called the line of symmetry.
• Some shapes, like a circle or square, have more than one line of symmetry.
• Matching and mirror-image thinking, as used in the Togalu game, helps build early symmetry and spatial reasoning skills.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming every shape has a line of symmetry, when some shapes, like a scalene triangle, have none.
• Drawing the line of symmetry in the wrong place, so the two halves do not actually match.
• Confusing a shadow’s shape with the object’s colour or size instead of its outline.
• Thinking a shape can only have one line of symmetry, when shapes like a circle have many.
• Mixing up a mirror image with an identical (non-flipped) copy of a shape.

Home Practice Tips

• Use a torch or lamp at home to make shadows of different objects on a wall and discuss their shapes.
• Fold paper cut-outs of shapes like hearts, squares, and letters to check for symmetry.
• Draw half of a simple picture, like a butterfly wing, and ask the child to complete the symmetric other half.
• Look for symmetry in nature and around the house, such as leaves, windows, or rangoli patterns.
• If possible, try a simple version of the Togalu game or a matching-shapes game to build spatial thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the connection between shadows and shapes in this chapter?
A shadow usually reflects the outline shape of the object blocking the light, helping children connect real 3D objects to their flat 2D shape outlines.

Q2. What is a line of symmetry?
It is an imaginary line along which a shape can be folded so that both halves match each other exactly, like mirror images.

Q3. Do all shapes have a line of symmetry?
No, some shapes, like an irregular scribble or certain triangles, do not have any line along which they fold into two matching halves.

Q4. How can I help my child find lines of symmetry at home?
Use paper cut-outs of simple shapes and letters, fold them in different ways, and check if both halves match exactly.

Q5. What is Togalu, and why is it mentioned in this chapter?
Togalu is a traditional Indian board game played with cowrie shells and pieces; the chapter uses its matching and mirror-shape ideas to introduce symmetry in a fun, culturally familiar way.

Full walkthrough: Chapter 4 Solutions for step-by-step textbook answers.

Written by Satish

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