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 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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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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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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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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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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(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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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.

23

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.