Looking for a fun and challenging activity to do on your own or with your kids? Look no further than tangrams! Not only are these puzzles enjoyable, they also help develop critical thinking and spatial visualization skills.
What are tangrams?
Tangrams are ancient Chinese puzzles that are made up of seven pieces: five triangles, one square, and one parallelogram. The pieces can be arranged to create a wide variety of shapes and figures, and the challenge lies in figuring out how to use all seven pieces to create the desired design.
Although tangrams were originally used for entertainment, they are now commonly used in classrooms to help teach geometry and improve math and problem-solving skills. And the best part? Tangrams are easy and inexpensive to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels!
How to make your own tangrams
If you don’t already have a set of tangrams, don’t worry! You can easily make your own using paper or cardstock. Simply follow these steps:
- Cut a perfect square out of your paper or cardstock. This will be the base for all of your tangram pieces.
- Using a ruler and pencil, divide the square into four equal quarters, and then divide each quarter into two equal triangles, as shown in the diagram below:
3. Carefully cut out each of the eight triangles. You should now have five triangles, one square, and one parallelogram.
4. Arrange the pieces into a square and a variety of other shapes and figures. Use your imagination and see what you can come up with!
Where to find tangram patterns
If you’re looking for a little extra challenge, try creating designs using tangram patterns. These patterns provide a silhouette of the desired shape, and you must use your tangram pieces to fill in the outline. You can find tangram patterns online, or use the ones provided below:
Tangram puzzle outlines
Simply print out the patterns and use them as a guide when creating your designs. It may seem easy at first, but as you progress to more complex patterns, you’ll find that it becomes a real mental workout!
Other fun tangram activities
If you’re looking for even more ways to enjoy tangrams, try some of the following activities:
- Create your own tangram pattern and challenge a friend to solve it.
- Time yourself and see how quickly you can solve a tangram puzzle.
- Use your tangrams to create a picture or scene, and then have someone else try to guess what it is.
- Try creating something completely original using your tangram pieces.
- Use your tangrams to create a design, and then try to replicate it using a different set of pieces.
No matter which activity you choose, you’re sure to have a great time while improving your spatial visualization skills and challenging your mind.
Where to find free printable tangram puzzles
If you’re looking for a convenient way to access a variety of tangram puzzles and patterns, try searching for free printables online. Here are a few great resources to get you started:
1. Free Tangram Printables from Pinterest
This board on Pinterest has dozens of free tangram printables for you to choose from. Simply click on the image you want and print it out. You’ll find everything from simple tangram puzzles to more complex designs.
2. Free printable tangrams and tangram pattern cards from Pinterest
This Pinterest board has a variety of free printable tangrams and tangram pattern cards. You can use the cards to create your own designs, or simply use them as inspiration for your own creations.
3. Free Printable Tangram Puzzles Worksheets from Learning How to Read
Learning How to Read has a collection of free printable tangram puzzles that are perfect for young children who are just learning about shapes and spatial relationships. The puzzles come in a variety of difficulty levels, so you can find something that’s just right for your child.
4. Tangrams Puzzles Printable from Printable Word Searches
This printable tangram puzzle from Printable Word Searches is perfect for springtime. It features a variety of different shapes and patterns that you can create using your tangram pieces.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned tangram pro or just starting out, there’s always something new to learn and discover with these fascinating puzzles. So why not give tangrams a try and see where your imagination can take you?
