Big-Winged Butterfly

Before you build with real tiles

• Gather 2 square tiles, 2 tall triangles and 2 equilateral triangles with matching base edges. Use any colors you like.
• Lay every tile flat on a level table. Switch to the top view to see the butterfly shape.
• The tall and equilateral triangles have the same base width. Join those bases to the sides of the square body without overlapping the tiles.

How to build it, step by step

1. 1. Make a little body

   Add in this step: 2 square tiles

   Join two squares end to end, leaving both sides open for the wings.

   Hands-on tip: Lay both squares flat in one column and join their shared edge.

   

2. 2. Open the two big wings

   Add in this step: 2 tall triangle tiles

   Place a tall triangle on each side of the upper square, pointing outward.

   Hands-on tip: Join each tall triangle along its base to the upper body square. Keep both wings flat.

   

3. 3. Spread the little wings too

   Add in this step: 2 equilateral triangle tiles

   Add an equilateral triangle on each side of the lower square. These wings are shorter than the ones above.

   Hands-on tip: Both kinds of triangle have the same base width, but their points reach different distances from the body.

   

A little help for grown-ups

You do not need to plan a lesson. Use these prompts when you reach a tricky step, or when your child wants to try an idea of their own.