Want a fun math activity?  Try tangrams.  Theses are seven shapes, or tans, which come from China.  It’s geometry and it’s a lot more fun than proofs!  (Or is it just me who still hates 10th grade geometry?)

Print out your own set of tangrams or order a  set from ThinkFun.   Rearranging the tans increases spacial skills.

You’ll want to read this beautiful picture book called The Warlord’s Puzzle.  A warlord accidentally drops a blue tile and breaks it into seven pieces.  He proposes a contest to put the tile back together and so the puzzle of the tangram is born.

Then, read Grandfather Tang or Three Pigs, One Wolf and Seven Magic Shapes.   Use your tangrams to make the animals in the story.

Online easy tangram of four are perfect for younger kids.

Tangram puzzles online at PBS Kids are in a variety of levels.

How about an Easter Valentine’s Bunny? Make this cute tangram  bunny card from Family Fun.

Tangrams are also great for story telling.  Here’s a story about a broken Valentine’s Day vase that requires you to use your tangams.

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Thanks for reading Imagination Soup!

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Tag(s): holiday, tangrams