How to Use Task Cards in the Classroom- 10 Different and New Ways
Jan 27, 2020
I recently added task cards to my consumer math lessons (find them HERE and HERE) because they are so versatile! Now sure how to use task cards in the classroom? I’ve listed 10 different ways you can use them in your classroom, so that your lessons never become boring!
How to Use Task Cards in the Classroom: 10 Ways
Board Game- Turn Permission
Play a class game like Connect 4, CandyLand, etc (or small group each has a different game). For each person who gets a task card question correct they get a turn. If the student gets the answer wrong, then they skip their turn.
Tip- Copy 1 set of task cards for each small group. Repeating tasks cards is a good thing!
Around the Room
Using numbered task cards (which mine are), tape them up around the classroom and give students a sheet with numbers and answer lines and have them move at their own pace to answer each question. This is a great way to incorporate movement into the lesson!
Group Consensus <My Personal Favorite!
Give each student a card and a clothes pin (or paper clip). Tell them they have 30 seconds to answer the question and place the clothespin on their answer. Then, have everyone pass their card with the clothespin still attached to the right. Then, that student has 20 seconds to read and answer the question. If the clothes pin is on the right answer then keep it, if they think the answer is wrong then they can move it to the right answer. Continue to do this until everyone has seen every card. At the end, the teacher should review each card and announce the answer. If the class got the answer right then they get 1 point. Set a goal/target, and once the class reaches it then they get a reward!
Keeping Secrets
Place all cards in a large manilla envelope with 1 dry erase marker, divide up class into small groups (3-4 ideally) and then give each group a packet. Mark the right answer with the dry erase and then put all the cards back in the envelope. The key is to work quietly, so others don’t overhear. After a set amount of time has passed, have the groups return the envelope to you. Check the answers and the team with the most right answers wins!
Tip- Copy 1 set of task cards for each small group and make sure they are laminated.
Grab your set of consumer math task cards HERE!
Zoom In
Easy way to lead a whole class review with ZERO prep! When projecting, Zoom In on each task card and have students respond as a group to the question. This eliminates the need to print, cut, laminate, or find other supplies!
Spell It Out
Divide the class into two large groups, ask the whole class the same question, if both large groups give the same right answer then the class gets to offer a letter towards the phrase (like Wheel of Fortune)!
Headbandz Game (using the Hedbanz game bands)
Mark the right answer on the card (laminate and use dry erase markers) and have partners put a card on the heads. One person asks the peer the question and can see the right answer. No need to record who got what right, just review so each student gets asked every question.
Tip- Copy 1 set for each partner group.
Raise your Hands
While projecting one card one at a time, give 30 seconds to read and decide the right answer. Then say ‘Raise your hands!’ and students should point to the side of the classroom wall with the right answer (i.e.- if the answer on the left is correct then students should point to the left wall and vice versa).
Fly swatter slap
Projected on the screen and give two students each a fly swatter. When you reveal the task card then the 1st student to swat at the right answer wins! Ask a new question to each set of students.
Tip- Check to see if your projector remote as an Audio/Visual Mute button (like AV Mute) so you can move through the cards without anyone having an advantage.
Class Pass
Using numbered cards that are out of order, have each student start with a card. Set a timer to go off every 30 seconds. When the timer goes off the students should pass the card and record their answer, until everyone has seen each card.
Tip- Use a visual timer that’s projected and put the desk in a circle with everyone facing out (which makes talking between passes more difficult).
Grab your set of consumer math task cards HERE!
Now that you know how to use task cards in your classroom, go and create fun in your classroom, whether you are practicing a skill or reviewing for an assessment!
