How to Use Task Cards

5 Ways to Use Task Cards

More effective and engaging than worksheets, Task cards should be a part of every classroom!  Today, I am going to show you how to use task cards in the classroom. 

What are task cards? They are cards that contain a task or activity for the students to complete, can range in skills/content, and can used in SO many ways. 




Here are 5 ways to use task cards in the classroom!

1.  Early Finishers – when students are done with their seat work, they can grab a set of printable task cards to complete independently. Store them in a small container, or zip-loc bag, along with crayons and pencils.  This way, the students will have everything they need, and won’t interrupt you or others for supplies.

Math Task Cards

2.     Scoot Game – spread the task cards out on tables/desks. If it is a whole class, you can put one or two at each desk or table. 

 Each student gets a recording sheet. They are to complete the task card, and record their answer.  After 1-3 minutes, the teacher says “scoot”, and the student rotate to the next area.  Repeat until students have went to each task card.  This active learner activity is similar to Write the Room.  You can read more about that here. 

How to Use Task Cards in the Classroom

3.    Assessments – I use task cards often as assessment tools.  Pull students individually to complete the task and record their answer.  You will see right away if they are struggling with a particular skill. 

4.    Morning Work - Students self-select task cards to complete when they come into the classroom. 

    

Magic e task cards for first grade and second grade

5.    Home-School Activity Bag:  Put a class set of printable recording sheets in a 2 pocket folder.  Label the pockets “Blank” and “Complete”.  Hole punch and put the task cards on a small binder ring. (This will assure all task cards come back J) Put the folder, task cards, and a set of crayons in a manila envelope or bag.  Send home with a different student each night.  They complete the activities at home, place their completed work in the folder, and return the bag the next day.

tens-frames math task cards for kindergarten and first grade

There are cvc task cards, punctuation task cards, alphabet task cards, writing task cards, math task cards, and literacy task cards for all seasons.  

You can find task cards for kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and third grade, in my TPT store.  

If you enjoy games in the classroom, you may also be interested in I Have Who Has.  You can read more about that, here.