Create a jigsaw puzzle

Create a jigsaw puzzle and use it as a hook for the lesson or the unit!

Jigsaw puzzle

How to create it

Tips and ideas

Classroom uses

Created by @Gabriella_BW

Solve this jigsaw puzzle

Describe the photo* What can you see? * Who are the characters? * Where are they? * What are they doing?

puzzle pieces

Photo @Gabriellaevam

Created by @Gabriella_BW

How to create a jigsaw puzzle?

1. Pick the image you want to use. 2. Drop it into a tool that can cut it up for you. This one is easy to use and gives a great result: PineTools. 3. Upload all the pieces to Genially. 4. Resize each part and make them a draggable by clicking on the hand sign. 5. Add any other details you need: the grid, instructions...

Created by @Gabriella_BW

Tips and ideas

Add a rectangle shape with the grid to help students place the jigsaw pieces.

When you resize the jigsaw pieces, make sure they are the exact same size.

If you want to have an eye-pleasing aesthetic on your slide, extract the colours from the image, using PineTools. Use the hexcodes for the elements in your design just like I did in this Genially.

Add an activity so that the jigsaw puzzle serves an instructional purpose. Need some ideas?

Once you've added all the elements to the slide, bring all jigsaw pieces to the front. This is to make sure that the pieces will not disappear behind the grid or other design elements.

Created by @Gabriella_BW

Introduce and celebrate a special day with a relevant picture, for example on World Giraffe Day (21 June) or on Biodiversity Day (22 May).

How to use it

Use it as a "brain break" but keep it relevant.

Preview the lesson with the help of an intriguing picture turned jigsaw puzzle.

Spark a discussion or debate with a controversial image.

Review the past lesson while waiting for everyone to arrive.

Keep an important piece out and let students guess. Make it relevant to the lesson to guide the students to an important discovery or conclusion. Have students ask questions about the missing piece.

Examine an important issue or concept with a relevant image.

Use it as a prompt for a further activity - writing an essay for English, starting research, launching an experiment...

Use it to improve spatial literacy by manipulating the pieces or by having a map or 3D object in the picture.

Use it as a hook, raise interest.

Created by @Gabriella_BW