How do you build spatial reasoning, critical thinking, and problem solving skills while doing something that is fun? With tangrams! In honor of Chinese New Year, this lesson introduces your students to the Chinese puzzle of tangrams.

Students will explore geometric shapes by creating a painting of a trapezoid.

Students will use their hands to mold clay into shapes, then divide those shapes into equal and unequal quarters.

Your students will solve and create shape riddles while practicing their knowledge of shape attributes.

Sorting takes on a new challenge for students in this activity which engages their critical thinking skills. As students determine defining attributes, they’ll figure out what makes a shape a shape!