Topic:

Tangrams and Geometry

Grade Level:

3 – 4

Name of Activity:

A Tangram Folklore

Materials Needed:

"Grandfather Tang’s Story"
by Ann Tompert

Foam board cut into the seven tangram pieces

Description of Activity:

Introduce students to tangrams by explaining the Ancient Chinese
puzzle, and its history in the Chinese culture. It is sometimes
referred to as "seven pieces of cleverness." Begin reading
"Grandfather Tang’s Story. As the animals change throughout
the story, the students will create the animals using all 7 tangram
pieces. A model will be provided by the teacher in order for the
students to imitate. The students will manipulate the pieces recognizing
how each geometric shape fits together to form the animals. Make
sure to give students adequate time between readings to pattern
each animal.

Extension:

– After reading the story to them, have students create their
own animals using the tangram pieces, and they could even create
their own story to go along with their tangram animals.

– Students can manipulate the pieces finding ways to create
a square using 1,2,3 and all 7 of the pieces.

– Students could create the animals in the story on their
own instead of patterning the teachers model while the story is
being read.