Find out:
Why task cards are so awesome
The many ways you can use them
Ways to store and organize them
By Rachel Lynette
Everything you
need to know!
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 3
WHAT EXACTLY IS A TASK CARD? .................................................................................................... 4
Task Card Examples ................................................................................................................................. 5
Task Card Sets ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Task Card Add-Ons .................................................................................................................................. 7
Why Use Task Cards? ...................................................................................................................................... 8
WAYS TO USE TASK CARDS .............................................................................................................. 8
Using Task Cards with Individual Students ............................................................................................... 9
Using Task Cards with Pairs and Small Groups ........................................................................................ 10
Using Task Cards with the Whole Class .................................................................................................. 13
Instructions for Scoot .................................................................................................................................... 15
PREPPING YOUR TASK CARDS ....................................................................................................... 17
STORING TASK CARDS ................................................................................................................... 18
SOME FINAL THOUGHTS ............................................................................................................... 20
READY TO START? ......................................................................................................................... 21
RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................... 21
Finding Task Cards ......................................................................................................................................... 24
About the Author .......................................................................................................................... 25
And Finally .................................................................................................................................... 25
Photo by September Patterson
Cover photo by Bethany Labbe
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
INTRODUCTION
I’m so glad you downloaded this ebook!
You are going to totally love task cards! They are easy to use, incredibly
effective, and best of all, kids love them! I am confident that once you try them,
you will want to use them again and again.
I decided to write this ebook because teachers
often ask me for ideas about how to use and
store task cards – or even why they should use
them at all. There are bunches of answers to all
these questions and so I thought it would be a
good idea to put them all in one place. If you
are new to task cards, this ebook will tell you everything you
need to know. You will also find links to free sets of task cards – so
you can try before you buy. If you already use task cards you are
sure to find a some new ideas – there are quite a few!
I use a lot of my own task cards to make points in this book (because a picture
really is worth a thousand words.) If you would like to learn more about any of
the sample cards that you see, simply click on the image to be taken to the
Teachers Pay Teachers product page for that set. There is also a handy-dandy list
of task card resources at the end of the book.
It is my sincere hope that this ebook will be a valuable resource for you as you
begin using task cards with your students. Please feel free to share this ebook
with your friends and colleagues, both on the web and in real life.
Happy Teaching!
Be sure to look for
speech bubbles like this
one throughout the
book for extra tips and
ideas!
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
WHAT EXACTLY IS A TASK CARD?
I’m glad you asked! Let’s take a closer look to find out:
Like this one, most task cards
present just one activity or
question per card. A good task
card will also include a title
(seen here on the left side) and
a card number (upper right) to
help with organization.
Instructions, definitions, or
examples may or may not be
included, depending on the
type of card. There may also be
fun extras such as clip art and
borders.
This card requires a multiple choice response from the student. However, task
cards may also be short answer, or require a longer and possibly open-ended
response. Many teachers prefer multiple choice cards because they can be more
easily used in games and other activities and because they are often more suited
for test prep.
Another variation on task cards are
activity cards. Rather than asking a
question that requires a verbal or written
response, these cards suggest an activity.
The activity may require extra materials
or a larger time commitment than
regular task cards.
Check out the next page for examples of several different types of
task cards.
When creating or purchasing
task cards, it is a good idea to
make sure that the borders and
clip art are not so overwhelming
that they distract from the
content of the card.
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
Task Card Examples
A note to task card sellers: As you can see, each of these cards is branded with my particular task card style (specifically, the vertical title on the side, the rounded border, the card number in the upper right with a rounded border, and an image, usually in the lower right). While you may use some of these elements in your own sets, using most or all of them is a violation of copyright. One of the fun things about creating task cards is developing your own, unique style.
These math task cards require a
short answer response.
Reading response
cards include a short
paragraph for students to
analyze. Some task cards, like these are seasonal, but most can be used all year long.
Activity cards like these require a longer response. A student may complete several over time.
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Task Card Sets
Task cards come in sets or decks. A set of task cards can have as few as four cards
or may number in the hundreds. Most sets have between 20 and 35 cards. If you
are planning to play Scoot, or another whole-class game, it can be helpful to
have enough cards for each student in your class.
Task cards come in a variety of
sizes. In most cases, the size of
the task card is depended on
how many cards are on each
page. Most task cards come
four to a page like this:
This seems to be the preferred
size as it keeps the card from
looking too crowded or getting
lost easily.
If sets include a lot of cards and there is not much content per card, the cards
may be smaller in order to save paper and printing ink:
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Occasionally, a card has too much content
to fit into four-per-page format and so a
half page format must be used.
In addition to the actual task cards, many
sets come with other components to make
the cards more useful. These can include:
Teacher instructions and suggestions
Common Core Standards addressed
An attractive cover card
An answer key
A student answer sheet
Relevant posters, quizzes, handouts
or other support material
Task Card Add-Ons
One thing I like to include in my sets is one
or more challenge cards. A challenge card can be used with any other card in the
set to extend the activity. This is a great way to get double (or even triple or
quadruple) use from a single set of cards. For example, here is a sample card
from a set of Subject/Predicate task cards along with two challenge cards:
If you purchase a set that
doesn’t include challenge
cards, you can make your own
using index cards.
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
WAYS TO USE TASK CARDS
One of the great things about task cards is that there are so many ways you can
use them. However, one thing to keep in mind is that in most cases, task cards
are not meant to be used to introduce or teach a skill or standard. Rather, task
cards should be used for practice, reinforcement, review, and sometimes
assessment.
Why Use Task Cards?
Before moving on, let’s take a moment to talk about why you might want to use task cards when you can accomplish the same goals with the tried and true worksheets you have been using for years. Here are just a few reasons to consider:
Task cards are motivating for students because there is only one task per card. Imagine that you are a fourth grader struggling with summarizing. Receiving a packet of paragraphs to summarize in worksheet format will likely feel overwhelming. However, if those same paragraphs are placed on task cards, the student need only deal with one paragraph at a time. He or she feels that sense of accomplishment when one is completed before moving on to the next.
Task cards can be made to target specific learning objectives. This is great news if your district has adopted Common Core. If your students are weak in a specific area, you can make or purchase a set of cards that focuses on the specific skill. This also makes task cards great for test prep!
Task cards make differentiation easy. Struggling students can just complete a few cards or complete cards with multiple choice answers. Another option is to allow some students to answer verbally. More able students will enjoy the challenge of open-ended cards and you can also require longer answers. In addition, you can create or purchase sets for different levels.
Task cards are versatile. A single set of task cards can be used in a variety of ways; individually at centers or stations, in pairs or small groups, and even with the whole class. They can used as part of your daily routine, as enrichment, with games, or even as homework. Further, they can be used with any age group from kindergarten to adult.
Task cards save paper and ink. Copy, cut, and laminate once. Use for years. Instead of copying piles of worksheets, you need only copy a single answer sheet for each student, or better yet, students can answer on notebook paper or individual white boards. Also, since you only need to print once, it is likely that you can print in color, making the card even more appealing.
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
This next part features ideas of way to use task
cards and is organized into three sections:
With Individual Students
With Pairs and Small Groups
With the Whole Class
Using Task Cards with Individual Students
Task cards are great for independent work. You can
target specific sets for your students and they can
complete the sets quietly, usually with no adult
help. Here are some suggestions:
At a center
By setting up a task card center (or several) students can complete task cards
when they have extra time or at a designated center time. To set up a task card
center, you will need the task card deck and answer sheets for each student. If
you want your students to self-correct, you
will also want to have an answer key
available. You may also want a colorful
center sign and instructions. Consider making
a Task Card Flip Chute for added center fun!
As seat work
If you store your task cards in baggies, envelopes, or
folders, students can easily take sets back to their seats
(or anywhere in the room) to work. You may want to
develop a task card check-out system if you go this
route.
Another option is just to keep a small stack of cards in
the supply bins at each of your tables for fast finishers
to use as needed (thank to Kathryn Barnum for the
suggestion)
Task cards are great
for Fast Finishers!
Try This:
We use a specific notebook and set goals for kiddos to finish an individual number of cards. They record their responses in the notebook. They can pick and chose which ones and who they want to work with. I love watching them just get up get a ruler, for example, and just start measuring the room.
-Sandi Fisher
Julie Pieprzyk of My Journey to 5th Grade
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
You could also have students use task cards during independent work times while
you lead a small group.
On the wall
Consider setting up a task card wall where you post a different set of task cards
each week. Posting them in one or several long lines works well. If you don’t
want to attach them to the wall, consider a clothesline or fishing net. Each
student receives an answer sheet at the start of the week and has until Friday to
complete it.
As homework
This can be a great option for students who are struggling. Placing the task cards
into a manila envelope is a good way to keep it private so the student’s peers
don’t know he or she needs extra practice. You may also want to include a letter
to parents. This will also work
great for ELL students as well as for
your gifted students who need
extra challenges. You may find that
you have parents who are thrilled
because they no longer have to
engage in the nightly homework
battle.
Using Task Cards with Pairs and Small Groups
Just as with individual use, pairs of students
can easily use task cards independently, as can
small groups. Another option is to use task
cards in a guided activity when a group is
being led by the teacher, an aid, or even
another student. Here are some things to try:
Share a set
Two students can easily share one set of cards
at a center or at their desks. One way to do
this is to have the students place the card they
are working on between them and then each Picture by Koonce’s Corner
o
Use task cards one-on-one
with a student who is struggling
for extra reinforcement. This
is a perfect job for parent
volunteers or an older student
helper.
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
record their answers on their own answer sheets. When both students are done,
they may move on to the next card. This could be a cooperative activity with
the students discussing the card, or you could require students to work silently
and answer independently.
Another option for sharing is to split the
set ahead of time into odd and even sets.
Students each do one set (skipping every
other space on their answer sheets) and
then switch sets to complete the activity.
A more free-form way to share is to
simply put a set out at a table and have
a small group of students share it – using
whichever cards are available and
skipping around their answer sheets.
With Games
Task cards are super easy to use with
games. Games are great for reinforcing
skills, but if you need a record of
completion in the form of a student
answer sheet, games may not be ideal,
as often answer sheets are not
conducive to game play.
I have created several games to go
along with task cards. There are these
three free game boards and also this
free Boom Game.
You can also use task cards with many traditional board games such as Checkers,
Trouble, Connect 4, etc. Just alter the rules a bit to require each player to draw
and answer a task card before she takes her turn. Another player can read the
question and check the answer on the answer key. If the student responds
incorrectly, the turn is skipped.
Another option is to make your task cards into a fishing game. Just attach a
paperclip to each card and make a fishing pole with a stick, string, and a magnet
Picture by Madonna Mullin
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
(use an O magnet if you can). Kids fish for cards and keep the ones they answer
correctly. If a student answers incorrectly, the card goes back into the “pond.”
The winner is the student with the most “fish.”
A variation of this game is to use sticky hands with laminated cards. I know – it
sounds weird, but kids totally love it. You can read a blog post about it here.
There are many more ways to use task cards in games. Try drawing large a Tic-
Tac-Toe board on a small white board and putting a task card in each space.
Students must answer correctly
before taking the card off the board
and marking an “X” or an “O.” You
could have a stack of laminated cards
and allow students who answer
correctly to try to toss the cards into
a bin a few feet away and then keep track of the points scored by
each player for making “baskets.” You can probably make up many
games of your own.
Responding Verbally
If you do not need students to produce an
answer sheet, they can simply respond
verbally. In pairs, students can take turns
reading task cards to each other and
answering. The student reading the card can
check his partner’s answer with the key.
In small groups that are being led by a
teacher or aid, cards can be used as discussion
prompts with students answering verbally.
This is especially useful with tricky cards or
open-ended cards that have more than one
correct answer.
Responding with Individual White Boards
When working with a small group, you may want to have students respond by
writing their multiple choice answer or short answer on a small white board.
After your students have
played some games with task
cards, challenge them to make
up some of their own!
True Story:
I purchased the Name That Number task cards as an enrichment activity for my 2nd graders. The kids in the enrichment group loved it so much that they began "teaching" others how to use logical reasoning to figure them out too! I love that the task cards build content and thinking skills in a format that the kids enjoy.
-Darcy Drinkwine Heath
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
Then they can show you their white boards so you can quickly see who
understands and who is still struggling.
Game Show Quiz
Place task cards in a pocket chart so only the backs are showing. Each card
should be worth a given number of points. Students select cards to reveal the
question and answer. You could use cards from several sets and create categories
similar to Jeopardy. Or you could create a similar game using PowerPoint and
using questions from the task cards.
Using Task Cards with the Whole Class
Teachers often consider task cards to be great tools for centers or small groups,
but never considered using them with the entire class at once. However, they can
be very effective when used with your whole class. Here are some ideas.
Use your Document Camera
Use your document camera to display a task card for your class. Students can
then respond with individual white boards or using sign language (A,B,C.D). You
can then quickly check everyone’s response. Alternatively, you could have
students each answer on their own answer sheets. This could work well for
assessment.
Some teachers use task cards for bell work
by having one displayed first thing in the
morning. Others use just a card or two as a
warm up before beginning the main lesson.
Another way to use task cards with your
document camera is to keep a stack
available to use as needed whenever you
have a few spare moments.
Use at Stations
Set up stations around your room with a
different set of task cards at each one. Divide students into groups and have them
rotate through the stations with perhaps 15-20 minutes at each one. Students can
share the task cards at each station, skipping around their answer sheets.
Alternatively, students could play a task card game (see pairs and small groups).
Picture by Samantha Harrel of Riveted Little Readers
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
Random Task Card
Randomness just makes everything
more fun. Put task cards (not
laminated) into a fun container such
as a plastic egg or a prize container
from gumball machines. Put them all
into a large bowl and allow students
to each select one. From there, you
have several options. They could pair-
share or you could have each student
respond in writing if the card contains
a good writing prompt or an
extended answer. Another option is
to have one student at a time select and use the card as a discussion prompt. You
could even allow the student to lead the discussion.
Quiz Quiz Trade
Quiz Quiz Trade is a popular Kagan
cooperative learning game. You can find
a more detailed description on this Minds
in Bloom Blog post. To play, partner
your students and give each one a task
card (short answer or multiple choice
cards work best). Partners take turns
asking each other the questions on their
cards. If a student does not know the
answer, he can just say so. The student
with the card acknowledges the correct
answer (or gives the correct answer if it is
not known). Students then trade cards,
find new partners, and the process begins
again. Play for ten or fifteen minutes at a
time.
Try This:
My students sit in groups of four. I print off a set of task cards for each group. Then, when I say, "Ready, Set, Go!" students, within their groups, work on their task cards. One person is the recorder. The challenge is not only to be the group to finish first correctly, but it's also to work cooperatively and quietly so your opponents won't hear your answers. The team that finishes first raises their hand for verification. Once the answer sheet is completed, answers are verified and a small prize is awarded to each group member; pencil, group points, sticker, extra recess, etc.
-Najda Zada
Picture by Amy Lanham
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Scoot
Scoot is a popular game to use with the whole
class. The game not only gets everyone moving,
but also allows each student to complete each
card in the set. Scoot is best played with multiple
choice or short answer cards. Students should be
able to complete a card in a short amount of
time.
Scoot is especially good for review or assessment,
but may be challenging for students who are
struggling or need extra thinking time as they may
not be able to finish the task in the allotted time.
One possible solution is to allow a few minutes at
the end of the game for students to go back to
cards that they may have missed.
There are many variations to Scoot. For example,
you could put the cards on the wall (possibly in
the hall) and have students stand the whole time.
Or, you could use half the number of cards and
have students move in pairs.
Mary over at Teaching with a Mountain View has
a fabulous and free set of Scoot Training Mission
Task Cards, which you can use to teach your
students to play this awesome game.
Instructions for Scoot
Prep: Give each student an answer sheet (usually included in the task card set) or have each student number a blank piece of notebook paper. Using clipboards is also helpful. Put one task card on each student’s desk. If you have more students than cards, you can add these Mini-Break Cards to your game. Plan a route – Each student needs to visit each desk. So, you will want to have a logical path for them to follow. You may want to use arrows to help students remember where to go next. Another option is to rearrange the desks to make them into a circle. To Play: Have students stand beside their desks. Begin the game by having each student write the answer to the card on his or her desk on the answer sheet. After an appropriate amount of time (perhaps 2-3 minutes), say, “Scoot.” When the students hear that word, they should all move to the next desk where a new card awaits. Continue until every student has completed every card or until you run out of time. You can then correct the answer sheets as a group, in pairs, or simply collect them to correct later.
Picture by Heidi Cerbin
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
Speed Math
I love speed math because it facilitates interaction between students. The game
was created by Randi Loveland of 4 the Love of Math and you can download a
free set of more detailed directions here.
Arrange desks in two rows, facing each other (think speed dating). Students could
also sit on the floor with clipboards or stand. Each student receives a task card
and the answer to the card. Students are given about 5 minutes to solve the
problem on their card and to become experts on their cards. Then one row
moves one seat down. Now each student is
sitting across from someone new. Everyone
switches cards with the student across from
them. A few minutes are given to solve the
new card. If a student is struggling, he or
she can ask the “expert” for help, who is at
the desk he or she is facing. After a few
minutes, the teacher has the students switch
cards again (so the experts have their
original cards again) and then the same row
moves down another seat to new partners
and the activity is repeated.
Traveling Task Cards
Traveling Task Cards is a game I created. You can read a more detailed
description on this Minds in Bloom blog post. You will need multiple-choice task
cards to play this game. Create large signs with each of the response options
(A,B,C,D) and distribute to the four
corners of the room. These are the
Answer Stations. Give each student a
task card. Students read their cards
silently and then move to the correct
answer station. Once there, students
trade cards with one other student to
see if the other student agrees with the
answer. It is okay to switch Answer
Stations at this point. When everyone is
o
Remember that when you teach
your class a new game, they may
need some practice rounds before
you begin playing. You may also
need to remind them to treat each
other respectfully.
True Story:
After doing one of your Root Word task card sets one of my students looked at the other one and said, "We didn't do any work today." I had to giggle, because they had actually just completed 32 problems!
-Bethany Hunter
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happy with the answer station they have selected, they all sit down to signify
that they are ready for the next round.
To begin a new round, everyone stands up and starts milling about the room,
trading cards with other students. They should trade cards several times. After
about 20 seconds, the teacher signals the students to STOP. Everyone then
silently reads the cards they are holding and proceeds to an answer station for
that card.
Task Card Scavenger Hunt
This idea comes form Shelly Anton of
Promoting Success. You can find more
ideas for using task cards on her Free
Top 20 Uses for Task Cards.
You will need a set of task card with
unique answers for each card. Write the
answers on index cards – one answer
per card. Hide the task cards. Distribute
an answer card to each student. Each
student must find the task card that
matches the answer on his or her index card. For a new round, have students
come to the center of the room, switch index cards, and play again.
For a variation on this game, hide task cards around your room and give each
student an answer sheet. Students must find each task card and write the answer
on their answer sheet
PREPPING YOUR TASK CARDS Before you can use task cards, you will have to
print, cut, and laminate them. Of course, you
can create your own task cards, but there are
also many, many sets available online. Some are
free and most of those that are for purchase cost
only a few dollars. Please see the resource section
at the end of this book for more information on finding task cards.
Picture by Holly from Fourth Grade Flipper
Picture by Charlotte at Fabulous Fifth Grade Fun!
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
Task cards are usually printed four to a page. Sometimes they are printed six or
even eight to a page, so you will need to cut them apart. In a perfect world, you
would print your task cards in color, on cardstock and then laminate them. This
will give you the most durable card. However, if that is not an option, here are
some other alternatives:
Print in color on regular printing paper rather
than cardstock. Laminate.
Print in back and white on colored cardstock
Print on regular printing paper, cut and store in
4x6 photo albums (be sure the size of your task
card will fit) instead of laminating.
Print, put the entire page into page protectors
rather than cutting out individual cards.
STORING TASK CARDS There are many ways to store task cards and the
method you select will depend somewhat on how
you plan to use them. You may decide to use a
combination of approaches.
Rubber bands: Easy and cheap. Put a rubber band
around a deck and call it a day.
Clips: Another easy option.
Baggies: Also easy and cheap. One advantage to
baggies is that they protect the cards.
Bins: Bins are great to use in combination with
baggies or rubber bands. You could put several
sets into one bin or use small bins and have one
bin per set. Bins of all types are available at the
dollar store.
If you are looking for a laminator,
this one is inexpensive and
popular.
Picture by Sandra Geiser
Picture by Dallas Anne Thompson
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
Drawers: Similar to bins, you can keep several sets in a drawer or use small
drawers for single sets. For some ideas about the many drawers available, check
here.
Rings: Another way to store task cards is to
punch a hole in the corner of each one and put
them onto binder rings or key rings. Then you
hang them on cup hooks. Read about a whole
system using this method at this blog post by
Denise Boehm of Sunny Days in Second Grade.
Pocket Folders: This works well if you would like
students to take the task cards to their seats. Put
your task cards and the answer key in one pocket
and blank student answer sheets in the other.
Mailing Envelopes: Again, good for seat work.
The cards, answer key and student answer sheet
will all fit into a large manila envelope.
File Folders or Coupon Holders: Bright, colorful
and just the right size, these things are perfect for
holding task cards. For more information on
using these for task card organization, check out
this post at Task Card Corner.
Index Card Folders or Boxes: Be sure and check the
size. Many task cards won’t fit, but mine will. The
same is true for 4x6 Mini Photo Albums.
3 Ring Binders: Use baggies (punch holes and
reinforce with packing tape) or pencil pouches to
store task cards inside 3 ring binders. Hole punch the
answer key and blank answer sheets and keep them
in the binders too.
Picture by Najda Zada of Garden Full of Knowledge.
Picture by Darcy Cartmill
Picture by Mary Montero at Task Card Corner
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
Baby Wipes Containers: Why not upcycle some these great containers? You can
probably get plenty of them from parents and they often come in bright colors
and stack well.
Hanging Bags: Doesn’t take up too much room and students can take the whole
bag to the work space.
SOME FINAL THOUGHTS
Remember, task cards are rarely used for
introducing a topic. Rather they are for
reinforcing – practicing and assessment.
You need to teach the skill or standard
before using the corresponding task
cards.
Some students may benefit from writing
their answers directly on laminated task
cards with dry erase pens.
Some task cards include QR Codes for
the answers. If yours don’t, they are easy
to make. Here is a post on how to
create QR Codes. Just stick the answer
codes on the back of each card.
Consider making one of your classroom
Picture by Clarice Edwards
Picture by Melissa McNamara
Picture by Lori Lawrence
Are you ready for a
Task Card IPad App?
Because it’s coming…soon!
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
jobs, Task Card Monitor. That student’s job is to make sure that all the task
cards stay neat and tidy and that lost task cards find their way home (thanks
for the great suggestion, Darcy Cartmill.)
Once you start collecting task cards, make a list so you know which ones you
already have (thanks for the terrific idea, Maria Reierstad.)
Task cards work well for subs. Since your kids will already know how to use
them and they of course love them, behavior problems should be minimal.
Consider adding a few sets to your sub tub with directions for Scoot.
Task cards make great observation lessons. Principals love them because they
target specific Standards and they are so engaging. Much, much better than a
worksheet.
READY TO START?
If you have never used task cards with your students, I hope that you are excited
to try them. Be sure and check the next section for some free sets to get you
started. I am confident that once you get started, you won’t want to stop! If you
are already a task card user, I hope you got some new ideas to try.
I love to see and hear about the different ways teachers are using task cards.
Please feel free to join me on Facebook and post task card comments and
pictures to my wall. Questions are also welcome. If I can’t answer your question
myself, I am confident that my amazing followers can.
RESOURCES
Let’s start off with the good stuff, free task cards! Since I wrote this ebook, I am
naturally going to link you up with my task cards (many of which also happen to
be the best selling ones on TpT). Of course there are many other task card sellers
as well, some of whom do excellent work. When searching for task cards, you
are likely to get the best results by following the instructions in the purple box on
page 24
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
Free Task Cards
If you are just starting out,
try one of these two sets
of Antonym Task Cards
(depending on your grade
level). The multiple-choice
format makes them easy
to implement.
__________________________________________________________________
This set of Friendship Cards is great for the start
of the year or anytime your students are
struggling with social skills. Use the open-ended
prompts for writing or discussion.
__________________________________________________________________
This is a fun grab-bag of reading strategies
(author’s purpose, making connections,
summarizing, inference, questioning, and making
predictions). Each card features an interesting
paragraph for students to read and analyze.
___________________________________________________________________
Another good one for the start of the year. Each
of these Fall Fun for Fast Finishers Task Cards
features a different open-ended activity. Most
are writing based, so they would be great for a
center or to use as journal prompts.
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
These Measurement
Task Cards are aligned
to Common Core and
perfect for test prep or
review. Use the grade
level that works for
you!
___________________________________________________________________
A few more task card related freebies you may want to pick up:
Picture by Randy Seldomridge of The Middle School Mouth
24
Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
Task Cards on TpT
Rachel’s Task Cards on TpT
Best Selling ELA Task Cards on TpT
Best Selling Math Task Cards on TpT
Minds in Bloom Task Card Posts
Ways to Use Task Cards in the Classroom
31 Ideas for Using Task Cards in Your
Classroom
Scoot Solutions: For when you have more
kids than cards
Traveling Task Cards: A fun game for
multiple-choice task cards
Easy Task Card Storage without the
Laminating
Quiz, Quiz, Trade
DIY Flip Chute for Task Cards
Using QR Codes in Your Classroom
Time for Task Cards Link-up
Other Task Card Blog Posts
Brain Builders Part 2 at Sunny Days in
Second Grade
Early Finishers Task Cards: beyond busy
work at Task Card Corner
Getting Started with Task Cards: Play Scoot!
at Task Card Corner
Classroom Organization: Task Cards at
Math, Science, Social Studies, Oh My!
Tic-Tac-Toe Task Cards at Yearn to Learn
Back-to-Back Assessment Game at Bunting
Books and Bainbridge
Task Cards – How I Use and Store Them at
Foreman Teaches
Other Useful Links
Totally Task Cards
Task Card Infographic
Task Card Catalog for Cards by Rachel Lynette
Finding Task Cards
Teachers Pay Teachers is, hands down, the best place to find task cards. There are far more there than any other online site. But to find the ones to fit exactly what you are teaching, you need to know your way around the site.
First, never use the search box at the top of the page. TpT’s search function is wonky and you are unlikely to get the results you want.
Instead, go to the left side bar, scroll down and select: SEE All Resource types.
From there select, Task Cards from the alphabetical list.
Now use the NARROW BY options on the left sidebar. For example, you could select:
o GRADES 3-5 - Third grade o SUBJECT English Language
Arts - Spelling.
The products will be sorted by Rating, but you can use the drop down arrow in the field at the top of the page to reorganize the products shown.
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Task Card Handbook by Rachel Lynette Copyright ©2013 all rights reserved http://www.rachel-lynette.com
About the Author
Rachel Lynette is currently obsessed with task cards. She
has been selling teaching resources on Teachers Pay
Teachers since 2006 and also write Minds in Bloom, an
educational blog focused on fostering creative and
critical thinking, among other things. In addition, she
has written over 120 nonfiction books for children on a
variety of subjects. Rachel’s teaching background
includes working with gifted populations as well as
specialized teaching in science and technology.
And Finally
I want to express my sincere appreciation to my followers and TpT colleagues on
Facebook who have graciously allowed me to use their pictures and stories. I
would also like to thank each and every teacher and homeschooler who has ever
used task cards that I have created. You are making my work meaningful
beyond anything I could have imagined and impacting the life of my children
and myself in incredible ways
Wow, you made it all the way to the end! I think that deserves a little something
extra…so click this link to get yours. But please don’t share it. This little surprise
is just for those of you who happen to find it.