Listen to the episode here!
How to Use Task Cards
1. Bucket Problems
Pass out one task card per student. Keep the extras in a bucket or tub at the front of the classroom. I normally put the bucket on a stool by the whiteboard. Have the students use the given recording sheet to solve the problems. You can download the FREE recording sheet here! When they are finished with a problem, bring the card back to the bucket and take a new one.
In these COVID times, it’s harder to do this. You know…germs and things. What I have done is this: I have laminated all of my task cards. It was a lot of work and laminating sheets. But so worth it. I divided up the task cards into groups and put them in the 6×4 photo holders from Michael’s. Each student got a container. This was their “bucket” of problems.
When class is over, it makes for (sort of) easy clean up because you just have to spray down the cards and containers.
If you have large groups and multiple classes, I would opt for another Task Card activity.
2. Match & Discuss
Pass out the task cards and the recording sheets, one per student. Give them time to complete that one problem on their sheet. Then, have the students find a partner. I typically give them a guide as to who their partner could be. Like “Find someone wearing the same shirt color.” or “Find your sole-mate (same type of shoe).” When they partner up, let them discuss what the problem is and how they solved it. After a given amount of time, have them switch cards and find a new partner.
3. Speed Dating
Split the class in half, having the students facing each other. This can be done standing or rearranging the desks to face each other. If time allows, moving desks to face each other creates a more conducive environment for this activity. Students then sit across from each other and complete the task card together. I like to use white boards for this way of using task cards.
When time is up (it is speed dating!), have them switch partners by having one side more one seat to the right. Then have the task cards move one to the left.
In a COVID classroom, so to speak, I do the Taylor Swift speed dating. If you are a Swiftie, you might remember You Belong with Me‘s music video. In this video, Taylor Swift and her love interest are neighbors with bedroom windows facing each other. They communicate by holding up signs to each other.
For classroom use, I have students partner with someone near them. They are given a task card to do. They will then complete it on their whiteboard and hold it up for the other to see. You can use any style of task card with this activity.
My favorite type of task card to use with this social-distancing speed dating activity is the Partner Pairs. This is where two cards will have different problems that lead to the same answer. It is a great way for students to complete their own work but still get to self-check their answers.
4. Whiteboards
I love whiteboards! I find that more students will opt-in and try work when it is on a mini-whiteboard. (Pro-Tip: Allow one or two minutes of “Doodle Time” to prevent students from drawing during the activity.)
Pass out whiteboards and/or a recording sheet to each student. Place the task card under the document camera and have the students solve it. I usually put a timer up with the task card to give a certain time frame. Then when the timer rings, I yell “Boards up!” I look over each board to gauge the overall understanding of the problem.
This also works well for distance learning! You can either copy the task cards into the slides or hold them up to your camera! Instead of “Boards up”, I yell Tony the Tiger still “Show me YOURRRRR Math!” Students will then hold their work up to their camera.
5. Google Apps
This is a great alternative especially if you are teaching online. I have used multiple Google Apps with task cards: Google Forms, Google Slides, and Google Jamboard. You can read more about Jamboard here!
The easiest one to set up is Google Forms. You can set them up to be self-grading (Hallelujah!) which also provides immediate feedback to students. Most of the task cards in my store have self-grading Google Forms. For a free sample, click here!
Google Slides is a great tool to for students using the recording sheet. You can send them a “View Only” link to the task cards and students can answer them on paper. This is great for an applied learning day (non-Zoom day, if your school does a split schedule) or as a homework assignment.
Lastly is Google Jamboard. It is one of my newest finds, even though it has been around for a while. I detail all of my favorite things in this blog post! What I love about Jamboard is the students’ ability to write on the slide. It works well with task cards that are open-ended rather than have a finite answer. Or if you want students to show work, Jamboard is the way to go.
Why use them?
Task cards are an engaging and versatile tool to help students work through a set of problems. They can be used individually, pairs, or even in teams. Task cards can be for math, science, ELA, etc. The possibilities are endless!
How do you use task cards in your class?
