Grandfather Tang’s Story

Ann TompertA Tale Told with Tangrams

What Are Tangrams?

Tangrams are ancient Chinese puzzles that are still used today by adults as well as children.

A tangram begins with a square, which is then cut into seven standard pieces. Each piece is called a tan. In creating a picture, all seven tans must be used; they must touch, but none may overlap.

 When tangrams are used in storytelling, the storyteller arranges the tans to show the shape of a character in the tale. As new characters or story elements are introduced, the puzzle pieces are rearranged to represent the new character or new element.

Tompert, A (1990). Grandfather Tang's Story. New York, NY: Crown Publishers.

Traditional Tangram Puzzle• What shapes do you see?

Curriculum CorrelationPrimary Subject: MathSecondary Subjects: Language Arts & ArtMath:Grade 3 – Shape & Space (3D objects & 2D shapes)GLO:Describe the characteristics of 3D objects and 2D shapes, and analyze the relationships among them. SLO:Sort regular and irregular polygons, including:• Triangles • Quadrilaterals• Pentagons• Hexagons• Octagonsaccording to the number of sides.

Grandfather Tang’s StoryThe fox fairies…

Grandfather Tang’s StoryA Rabbit…

Grandfather Tang’s StoryA Dog…

Grandfather Tang’s StoryA squirrel…

Grandfather Tang’s StoryA hawk…

Grandfather Tang’s StoryA turtle…

Grandfather Tang’s Story

A crocodile…

Grandfather Tang’s StoryA goldfish…

Grandfather Tang’s StoryA goose…

Grandfather Tang’s StoryA lion…

Grandfather Tang’s Story

Grandfather Tang & Little Soo

Other Tangrams You Can MakeIf you were a fairy fox which would you be?

Other Tangrams You Can Make

Other Tangrams You Can Make