Do you like to use math task cards in your classroom or homeschool? They are such a fun and flexible learning tool and are easy to prepare! Here are five fantastic task card games to use in your classroom today.
Make learning fun with math task card games!
Get Students Moving with Scoot!
Students love to play Scoot! It gives them an opportunity to get out of their seat and move around. Here’s how you play:
- Put one task card upside down on each student’s desk space.
- Students flip over the card and solve the problem on their recording sheet.
- When you say “Scoot”, students move to the next desk and solve the new problem.
- Continue the game until students are back at their original desk- all the problems should be solved!
Things to consider:
- You’ll need to teach students how to move when you say “Scoot”. You want all students to be moving in the same direction. This takes a little practice with younger students!
- Allow enough time at each spot for all students to solve the problems, but also keep the pace quick enough for the game to be engaging.
Write the Room
Write the room is another great way to get students up and moving! You can use this activity during centers, for fast finishers, or as a whole-class activity. Start by posting task cards around the classroom with a little bit of tape. You’ll want to make the cards a little tricky to find- but not too hard!
Students walk around with a clipboard, finding cards and solving problems. This activity is more self-paced than Scoot as students move when they finish a problem, instead of on a cue.
Use Task Card Games for Differentiation in Your Small Groups
Task cards work great for small group instruction! It’s an easy way to differentiate instruction because you can have each group working on a different set of task cards based on their learning needs. If needed, complete the first few task cards together as a group, until students get the hang of the skill. Then students can work more independently, while you assist individual learners as needed.
It really doesn’t take much for younger students to feel like they are playing a game! Make it more fun by placing the cards into a bag or themed container and students take turns drawing out the card they will solve next.
Morning Bins or Morning Work
Begin the day with task cards! If you use morning bins, place a set of task cards into one of your bins for the week. If you use a more structured morning work approach, consider making one set of task cards for each table group. Then students can work on the cards as they get settled in for the day!
Add Task Card Games to Centers!
Math task cards are an ideal center activity! They are fun and colorful and give a more game like feel to skill practice. At the same time, they allow for structure and accountability during centers.
One idea for centers, is to use dry-erase markers and have students write on the cards (be sure they are laminated). You might consider adding an answer key for students to self-check their work before cleaning off the card set. This activity works great if it is a skill you feel confident students understand, but you want them to get some additional review/practice.
Need more ideas for managing math centers? Check out this post for 6 tips!
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