Tangrams is and ancient Chinese puzzle using seven geometric shapes. An image is given along with the seven shapes. To solve the puzzle, one is to arrange the geometric shapes to fit inside of the image provided. Tangrams is basically a logic puzzle. You can present it in the traditional form of solving a puzzle or allowing the child to create her own shapes and images. I have a bucket filled with a colored wooden tangrams that my preschooler enjoys making her own scenes and shapes with.
Tangrams are useful in teaching preschoolers in many different areas. Here are some areas of learning through the use of tangrams.
*Spatial awareness
*Problem solving skills
*Geometry
I love how it challenges the child to see shapes in different ways as she must flip and move the shapes around to solve the puzzle. The hands on experience that tangrams provides is valuable for preschoolers through elementary school. For your next math lesson try putting away the books and play with tangrams. You can make your own or purchase a set.
Vocabulary to Use:
square
polygon
square corner/right angle rectangle
congruent
diagonal
triangle
right triangle
line of symmetry symmetrical
acute angle similar
parallel lines
intersecting lines
Don’t worry, you are not expected to produce a child speaking in those terms at the age of four. Maybe five, but not four. All kidding aside, children learn vocabulary best through conversational language. When playing with tangrams there is no need to quiz a child on a diagonal, triangle, right triangle, etc. As you play with the tangrams simply call the shapes by their correct name or refer to a diagonal or congruency as it naturally comes up. Do not over do it or focus on it as the point is exposure to math as a language and shapes as part of math. Let it all flow naturally with no pressure or expectation. You will help develop a child comfortable in math by keeping it simple and allowing for creativity.