How to Create Editable Task Cards for Your Students the Easy Way

Task cards are a great way to engage your students. Read on to find out how to get two sets of free editable task cards for your students. If you haven’t used task cards, they are perfect for review, extra practice, and even as an assessment! 

I was using task cards before I knew they were called task cards. My first year in the classroom, I taught an amazing bunch of third graders who needed to move constantly. I needed to get them up and about to keep their attention. My solution, I enlarged and cut apart practice sheets and posted them around the room for my students to find and solve. NOTE – In 1999, my first classroom didn’t have computers, I didn’t have email, and enlarging something on the copier was about as high tech as I could get. It’s amazing how far we have come in 20 years!   

I realized that my early version of task cards engaged my students and they were excited to practice new skills. For this reason, I have continued to incorporate task cards into my instruction. I have since stepped up my game and would love to help you create professional looking task cards to use in your classroom in minutes! Instructions for downloading the free task card templates are at the end of this post. 

Why Use Task Cards?

My students love task cards. Here’s why!  

Task cards feel like a game. When the cards are small and colorful, my students automatically assume they are playing a game. They focus their attention and energy on the academic task for a longer amount of time. 

Task cards are not as intimidating as a longer activity. Some of my reluctant learners will throw up their hands before starting if given a full page of material to review. Task cards break the content down into smaller, more manageable chunks. 

Task cards are versatile. You can use task cards for just about any subject area. They can be used for whole group, small group, or individual practice.  

How Can I Use Them in My Classroom?

There are many different ways to use task cards. My favorite include playing Scoot, student created test prep games, and center activities. 

Step Up Your Editable Task Cards in Minutes!

I know your time is limited! That is why I have created two free sets of digital task card templates just for you. The first set consist of colorful geometric designs (see picture above). These are perfect to use year round! Simply download the template from the Free Resource Library, type in your information, and print! You can create professional looking task cards in minutes. Created using Google Slides so make sure you have a free Google account to access and edit this file. To access the Free Resource Library, sign up to receive my newsletter and the password will be immediately emailed to you.  Need more templates? Hot off the press is a holiday themed mini set! This set has two red and green designs. Perfect for the Christmas season! Find them here! 

  Enjoy!  Mary This post originally appeared at Together We Are Smarter.