Completed:Piecing Language Together: Jigsaws in the ESL Classroom
"Did you know that jigsaw puzzles can actually help English Language Learners build language skills as they are building the puzzle? I didn't, until I attended a recent workshop for ESL teachers on that very topic. I learned that ESL students, when working in groups to solve jigsaw puzzles, begin t...
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"Did you know that jigsaw puzzles can actually help English Language Learners build language skills as they are building the puzzle? I didn't, until I attended a recent workshop for ESL teachers on that very topic. I learned that ESL students, when working in groups to solve jigsaw puzzles, begin to use language that native speakers take for granted! For example, they speak about colors, use directional vocabulary ("This goes at the bottom"), and develop cooperative vocabulary ("I think you're right" or "Let's try this.") When I took what I learned back to my school, I was blown away by what I saw. As they built puzzles, English Language Learners of all levels began using language in ways that they hadn't had an opportunity to do before. Plus, they were super-motivated to do so because to them, it seemed like play time- something our children get too little of.
After the workshop, I begged, borrowed, made, and bought all of the puzzles I could, but now I believe my third grade ELLs will be ready for more of a challenge than my wallet can afford! While they loved doing the puzzles that I made, they flew through them rather quickly. Now they need larger and more complicated puzzles to really get them excited!
That's why I have requested seven puzzles of different levels to challenge beginning through advanced English speakers and problem solvers. The puzzles that I have requested range up to 100 pieces, and one puzzle could last a small group for a week or more. That's a lot of language! Plus, each puzzle ties into a curriculum, such as science or social studies. In this way, students have fun developing the vocabulary of specific animals, plants, states, bodies of water, and more! More advanced English speakers will begin to write about what they see in the puzzle, as well as analyzing their problem-solving strategies. For example, they may use sequence words to tell how they solved the puzzle. ("First we found the edges, then we grouped the pieces by color" etc.) As you can see, the language development surrounding building puzzles is endless, and I have only named a few examples here. Puzzle building will also improve students' math skills as they become better problem solvers and learn the language necessary to solve math problems. At the same time, it builds a close community through teamwork- something that is crucial for ELLs who may be new to the community.
You have an opportunity to re-introduce play to the classroom and help students build language at the same time. This is a rare combination in public schools these days, since test-prep has all but taken over any opportunity for social interactions or play. This is especially true at my school, where students receive gym once a week and recess is non-existent. Now it is up to teachers to give students a chance to play and learn at the same time. And it's up to you too! Please join me as we fight to keep fun in the classroom and to help students love coming to school and learning.
My ESL students need 10 jigsaw puzzles which they will use to work in small groups and build oral language and community language skills!
See Ms. S.'s class participating in this project!
(Enlarge photos)
Jan 31, 2010
Dear Alvina, Kate, Chris, Berend, Sarah, Joe, Meghann and Kira,
How can I thank you for your generous support of our classroom? Coming as it does at a time when support is so limited, it means a lot to myself and to the students that people care enough to help enhance their learning experience. I think that the students' words say it better than I can:
"I hope the donor can come and visit us so I can say thanks!" "I love the farm puzzle!" "This is so much fun!" "Can our group play the puzzle this week?" These are the kinds of statements I hear when the students are at work building the puzzles. At the same time, I see their language and their problem solving skills growing. "Where does this go?" "Oh, I see, it goes here." "Put it at the top." "I see a... Ms. S, what is this animal called?...Oh, an octopus, let's put the octopus together." My students are developing strategies to piece together puzzles that help them develop other cognitive abilities. They are learning to work together, help one another, and divide and delegate tasks within the group. And in order to help each other, they are forced to use language to give directives and ask questions. I have taken videos that I wish you could all see, showing the immense language use packed into a half hour of puzzle building. Those with more developed language model, and those who are just beginning to develop higher level English and those who are new to the language repeat and imitate. Meanwhile, they are receiving valuable "fun time" that they too often do not get as eight year olds in today's education system.
I hope I have given you an idea of just how vital your donation has been to my students' development. While puzzles may seem to some a small item in a classroom, I hope you know that no donation, if used properly, is insignificant. I am deeply grateful for your support and promise that I will put the gift you have given to good use for many years to come, and give 100% to be sure that my students receive all the benefit.
With gratitude, Ms. S.
Ms. S. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Nov 24, 2009
Dear Alvina, Kate, Chris, Berend, Sarah, Joe, Meghann and Kira,
Wow, it is so exciting to know that as a teacher the work I do is supported by others! You have all contributed to the learning experience of my students while at the same time giving me a boost! It really feels good to know that education is valuable to the community!
These puzzles are going to provide such a great experience for my students. They have already started solving the few puzzles that I have available in the classroom, and their language skills around problem solving are starting to build. Some students are starting to be able to identify how they go through the steps of building a puzzle. Others are working on vocabulary and team building. (I have seen that the puzzles really help students learn to work together!) These more challenging puzzles are coming at the perfect time, when my students are ready to be pushed further, and when test prep is getting to be so heavy that learning in the form of play is just the thing they need.
I can't wait for them to see and work with these puzzles. They are going to LOVE them!
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Theresa H. (volunteer)
on Jul 8, 2009
