manipulatives
Tangrams
Use seven puzzle pieces to build shapes and develop spatial reasoning.
Quick answer
Tangrams are seven geometric puzzle pieces that can be arranged to form countless shapes and designs, helping children develop spatial reasoning, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of geometry.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to use tangram pieces to create different shapes and designs, and understand how small geometric pieces can make bigger, more complex shapes. Success signs:- You can identify the seven tangram pieces and their names
- You can make simple shapes like squares, triangles, and rectangles with the pieces
- You can follow a picture or pattern to build a tangram design
- You can explain how the pieces fit together to make bigger shapes
Why this matters
Tangrams are more than just fun puzzles – they help you understand how shapes work together. When you play with tangrams, you're learning about geometry, spatial thinking, and how to solve problems. These skills help you in school when you learn about area, fractions, and how shapes fit together. You'll also use these skills when you're building with LEGO, drawing pictures, or even playing video games. Tangrams help you see how math is all around you!How it works
Tangrams are made of seven pieces:- Two large right-angled triangles
- One medium right-angled triangle
- Two small right-angled triangles
- One square
- One parallelogram
These pieces can be arranged in many different ways to make new shapes. To use a tangram:
- Look at the shape you want to make
- Think about which pieces you need
- Try placing the pieces one by one
- If it doesn't work, try a different arrangement
- Keep trying until you find the right way
Examples you can see
Let's look at how tangrams work with some examples: Example 1: Making a square- Take two large triangles
- Place them together so their longest sides touch
- You'll make a square!
- Use the square piece
- Place one large triangle on top
- Put another large triangle on the opposite side
- You'll make a rectangle
- Use the two large triangles for the ears
- Use the small triangle for the tail
- Use the square for the body
- Use the parallelogram for the legs
- Use the medium triangle for the head
Here's a table showing how the pieces can be used:
| Piece | Shape | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| Large triangle | Right-angled triangle | Use for ears, heads, or large parts |
| Medium triangle | Right-angled triangle | Use for smaller parts or to fill gaps |
| Small triangle | Right-angled triangle | Use for tiny parts or details |
| Square | Square | Use for bodies, bases, or flat parts |
| Parallelogram | Slanted rectangle | Use for legs, wings, or slanted parts |
Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: Build a Tangram Treasure Hunt! You are a treasure hunter who has found a map with tangram puzzles! Each puzzle shows a different treasure. Your mission is to solve each puzzle to find the treasure. Step 1: Look at the treasure picture on the map- What shape do you see?
- How many pieces do you think you'll need?
- Find the two large triangles
- Find the medium triangle
- Find the two small triangles
- Find the square
- Find the parallelogram
- Try to make the shape from the map
- If it doesn't work, try again with different pieces
- Keep trying until you get it right!
- When you solve it, you've found a treasure!
- Can you make a different treasure with the same pieces?
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking that all triangles are the same size
Why it happens: When you first look at tangrams, all the triangles look similar
Fix: Notice the difference between large, medium, and small triangles - Mistake: Forgetting that pieces can be flipped or rotated
Why it happens: It's easy to get stuck on one way to place a piece
Fix: Try turning pieces around or flipping them to see if they fit better - Mistake: Not using all seven pieces
Why it happens: It's tempting to use fewer pieces to make something simple
Fix: Remember that all seven pieces must be used to complete each puzzle - Mistake: Trying to make complex shapes too quickly
Why it happens: You want to make something cool right away
Fix: Start with simple shapes, then try more complex ones
Parent and carer guide
Helping your child with tangrams is a fun way to support their learning:
- Ask questions like "How many pieces did you use?" or "What shape did you make?"
- Encourage them to try different arrangements if their first attempt doesn't work
- Let them make up their own shapes and designs
- Use everyday examples like "Your bedroom is a rectangle, just like one of the tangram pieces"
- Don't worry if they make mistakes – that's how they learn!
- Try making a tangram together as a family activity
- Look for tangram apps or books to explore more shapes
- Notice when they're using spatial words like "above", "beside", "inside", "outside"
- Remember that tangrams help with problem-solving, creativity, and understanding shapes
Practice questions
- How many pieces are in a tangram set?
- What shape is the parallelogram?
- Which pieces are the same size?
- Can you make a square with just two pieces?
- How many triangles are in a tangram set?
- Seven pieces
- A slanted rectangle
- The two large triangles and the two small triangles
- Yes, two large triangles make a square
- Five triangles
FAQ
What age can children start with tangrams?
Children as young as 3 can play with tangrams, but most children begin to enjoy them around age 5 or 6.
Are tangrams good for learning math?
Yes! Tangrams help children understand shapes, area, symmetry, and spatial relationships.
Can I make my own tangrams?
Yes! You can cut out a square and cut it into seven pieces following a tangram pattern.
Where can I find more tangram puzzles?
You can find tangram puzzles in books, online apps, or printable worksheets.
Do tangrams help with problem-solving?
Yes, tangrams require children to think about how pieces fit together, which develops problem-solving skills.