If you teach a class where there are many vocabulary words to memorize, then conside
r this jigsaw activity I invented. I start by creating a chart with 4 columns and 17 rows. In the first and 3rd columns I ask a question like Who was T. Jefferson? and in columns 2 and 4 I answer the question. It starts off looking like one of those review sheets we give our students before a big exam.
Then you must trim the edges and cut it into 4 columns (2 question columns and 2 answer columns).
r this jigsaw activity I invented. I start by creating a chart with 4 columns and 17 rows. In the first and 3rd columns I ask a question like Who was T. Jefferson? and in columns 2 and 4 I answer the question. It starts off looking like one of those review sheets we give our students before a big exam.Then you must trim the edges and cut it into 4 columns (2 question columns and 2 answer columns).
Now cut the 2 answer columns into "confetti." Place 2 (uncut) question strips into envelope. Gather cut up answers and place into same envelope. Label envelope something like Chapter 2 or whatever.
For my class sizes, 12 envelopes is a good number. For me, it allows some students to pair up and others to get in groups of 3. Do not allow groups of 4. Have students match the answers to the questions. Make sure no student is reading upside down. Make sure all 3 students can read all of the answer choices. Unless you have a better idea, walk around the room and check each group's work and make them fix the ones
they got wrong. Have the students do it again once they are finished.
The beauty of the jigsaw is you can review many vocabulary terms in one class period.
Tips: 1.Remind the students to check their laps and the floor at the end of the exercise. 2.At the beginning, remind them to completely empty the envelope.
3.Before you cut the paper up with scissors, color the back of each paper with a map pencil. The reason for this is you will find a stray answer on the ground and you will want to know which envelope it belongs in.
I have done this for years. I have rarely been able to use a jigsaw for 2 consecutive years because answers always get lost.
For my class sizes, 12 envelopes is a good number. For me, it allows some students to pair up and others to get in groups of 3. Do not allow groups of 4. Have students match the answers to the questions. Make sure no student is reading upside down. Make sure all 3 students can read all of the answer choices. Unless you have a better idea, walk around the room and check each group's work and make them fix the ones
they got wrong. Have the students do it again once they are finished.The beauty of the jigsaw is you can review many vocabulary terms in one class period.
Tips: 1.Remind the students to check their laps and the floor at the end of the exercise. 2.At the beginning, remind them to completely empty the envelope.
3.Before you cut the paper up with scissors, color the back of each paper with a map pencil. The reason for this is you will find a stray answer on the ground and you will want to know which envelope it belongs in.
I have done this for years. I have rarely been able to use a jigsaw for 2 consecutive years because answers always get lost.
