Bright Ideas for Using Task Cards

I love task cards and use them all the time with my kids. I don't always love the cutting and laminating that's involved. Sometimes I just don't have the time before I want to use them. Sometimes just thinking about the laminate, cut, laminate, cut, massage sore fingers, laminate, cut, cuss, laminate cycle is just too overwhelming. Luckily there are some great alternatives.

If you're using the task cards for a review or whole group activity, consider using your projector to show the task cards. If they're already cut out, just place them under the document camera. You can even just show them straight from the computer and not even print them at all! Sometimes I have the kids write their answers down on paper as I show each card, sometimes we just discuss them out loud. This is also a great way to review or check completed work when using task cards for scoot games or center activities. Save your ink, save your time, save your sanity, and save your sore fingers!

If you want your kids to use the task cards independently or projecting them is not an option, you might really dig this next idea. Print and cut the task cards, but skip the laminating step and use these little photo albums! I picked these up from Dollar Tree. If you want the kids to check their own work, just include one card at the end as an answer key.

I have little bonus tip for you too. I'm cool like that. Empty baby wipe containers make excellent storage containers for task cards. Even the photo album slides right in! I took the top off of this one because these happen to be larger task cards, but with smaller cards you can fit them in with the lid closed. Consider storing cards that all relate to a theme or subject in one box. Use a Sharpie to label the container and you're all organized! No more searching through piles and boxes to find the set you're looking for.