Simple Tricks to Using and Storing Task Cards

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Do you use task cards in your classroom? I was hesitant at first because it seemed like I would have all of these little cards cut up and no idea about storing task cards!

In this blog post, I want to share with you my 3 tips for storage solutions. I hope they will make using these beneficial literacy centers easy for you to implement!

1. Store in Task Boxes

I am sure that you have seen the trend of using these photo boxes to store task cards that are the perfect size of 4 to a page. Don’t do it because it is pinteresty, do it because it works!

It is truly the perfect way to keep the decks of task cards together and find them easily. I use my label maker to write on the top of the box the topic of the task cards inside.

storing task cards tips
My short text and photograph predicting task cards fit perfect in the boxes!

2. Utilize File Folders

If you use files or binders to organizer all of your materials, no problem! Just binder clip your task cards together and add them right in! Next time you pull out your folder on teaching synthesizing, your task cards will be right there ready to be used.

If you have a lot of task cards and the files will get really thick. That is a sign however to maybe try a different method. I started like this and moved to the photo boxes.

TIP: Add a note on or in the folder about what task cards you have prepped. Then next year when you pull out the folder to plan your lessons. I am guilty of recreating the wheel every year. In other words, I forget what I literacy activities I prepped the year before!

3. Print Task Cards as Worksheets

If you hate the idea of printing, cutting, and storing the task cards then don’t do it! I LOVE task cards because they are usually short texts that are very focused on a specific skill. You can print the cards like any other worksheet, they don’t need to be cut apart. Trust me the kids won’t care!

I try to offer options in my resources as much as possible. For example, task cards have the questions right with the text rather than on a recording sheet for this exact reason! You can just print the whole thing and it is a task card worksheet. Above all, no prepping or storing required, easy peasy!

My text feature task cards are perfect to print as a worksheet with
two activities to a page!

Anyway that you use task cards, your students will love the learning experience! I hope that these tips help you to figure out a way that works best for you.

using task cards in reading centers

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