Tangram is an ancient Chinese puzzle from the Song Dynasty.
The 7-piece puzzle is made up of three shapes, namely
- 1 square
- 1 parallelogram
- 5 triangles, coming in 3 different sizes
The objective of the activity to rearrange the puzzle pieces to form figures and all the pieces just be used without overlapping.
Tangrams are simple shapes combined to create complex pictures. Tangram could be used as a team-building activity tool for adults, to promote the benefits of effective communication, spatial awareness, collaboration, coaching, problem-solving, time management and teamwork.
The brain teaser activity could be divided into various levels of challenge that each team could embark on. Following are some weblinks where Tangrams are used as a learning activity for adults
- The Gas Leak training activity guide
- Tangram Group Game Puzzle
- The Questioning Game
- Tangram the Virtual way (refer to page 29 to 32)
Tangram is also a good alternative for charade or taboo.
Level 1 Tangram Challenge
At this level, there will be at least 1 or 2 shapes that stands-out in the figure.
Simple Debrief Question: How difficult was the activity for you? What communication challenges did you experience?
Level 2 Tangram Challenge
At this level, instead of completing the tangram puzzle independently. It would be a team activity.
Thought-provoking Debrief Question: Was it more difficult for you to communicate a design to your partner or to build the design that was communicated to you?
Level 3 Tangram Challenge
Option 1: Recreate the Tangram figures.
Option 2: Create your own Tangram figures!
Creativity is Intelligence having FUN!