I've created some fun art puzzles, with works from Warhol, O'Keeffe, Parrish and more, to integrate into an art unit. Here's the link, if it may perhaps be useful to you as well:

http://zachary-jones.com/english/art-puzzles/

They are lots of fun and, from a pedagogical standpoint, encourage learning by engaging spatial and visual intelligences through the use of authentic art. I've started with a selection of American art, but I'm interested in hearing of some other artists and works you'd like me to include. Thanks!

Well it was quite fun to do one of these - but how would you envisage bringing them into an ESL lesson?

Thanks for the reply! Here are a few ways I've used them with my students:

1. For Beginner levels, I have them choose a puzzle to complete. After completing it, I then have them fill out a worksheet where they list the colors used in the picture and describe the picture in simple terms. We also discuss whether they like the picture or not.

2. For Intermediate levels, I teach art vocabulary and discuss some of the different styles of art. I then show them the page where all the puzzles are listed with the thumbnails (here) and we discuss the style of the pictures, such as realism, landscape, pop art, folk art, surrealism, etc. They then choose a puzzle or two to complete in a particular style and I have them write a couple of paragraphs telling me why they like the style they chose and their feelings on the artworks of that style.

3. For Advanced levels, I do a review of art vocab and styles. Oftentimes, I'll focus on one style or the work of one artist to examine in-depth. I usually like to cover pop art, surrealism, or some other form that is particularly eye-catching to keep their interest. They then can use the puzzles as a jumping-off point for independent research on the subject.

I have also had success in developing cross-curricular activities. If my students are in art class, I can sometimes coordinate with the art teacher so that we are both covering similar subjects at the same time.

One thing I like about using jigsaw puzzles to teach is that it encourages students to focus on the details of the picture while they are completing the puzzle. This makes it much more memorable for them and I find that it gives them a lot of inspiration for speaking and writing. These puzzles are also a great reward or activity to do in the computer lab, depending on your specific teaching situation.

Also, as a cultural product, art provides perspectives into the target language culture.

These are just a few of my ideas. I'd love to hear any ideas that others have for using these!

Oh, I very much agree it's great to teach something like art or art appreciation in class and I did enjoy playing with the jigsaws for a while but, to be honest, I can't see the actual jigsaws themselves providing any English stimulus or input.

If I asked the students to assemble a jigsaw or if I handed out photocopies of the finished piece of work, it would be exactly the same in terms of English input I think.

It's a shame - I do like the idea of the jigsaw and it can be quite fun to do and stimulating, but I don't quite see how it enhances English learning in the class.

I'd like to try it with a class but perhaps there's a way to increase the language input whilst using it. Thinking blindly here, how about one blindfolded and using a mouse while their partner (without a blindfold) has to tell them where to click and where to move pieces? Would that work?

I love that idea! That's why I love forums - such a great interchange of ideas.

The overarching goal of my site is to provide other teachers with new ways to engage their students. I've found that even just presenting something in a different medium is useful, even if the material covered could be presented in a more traditional way, such as doing a jigsaw puzzle vs. looking at a photocopy.

hmmmm...your idea just gave me another idea, too! If the teacher has a projector, they could project the puzzle on the board. Then, before putting any pieces together, the class could make guesses about what the picture is and, as the teacher puts the puzzle together, the class continues to guess based on the unfolding of the picture.

Thanks so much for the input! This is why I work so hard on making my site - I love to collaborate with other teachers and get fresh ideas.