MATH TASK CARDS FOR FIRST GRADE

MAKING IT FUN!

How do you incorporate math task cards into your daily lessons?  I totally believe that when students are playing games that tie curriculum to them, it’s a WIN WIN for everyone.  That’s how I feel about  task cards.  Students think these are games, and so they are engaged, learning, and having fun!

Ya’ll – I’m serious… if you make it fun, half the battle is WON!  Walking in and out of elementary classrooms on a daily basis – I love seeing how our teachers are MAKING IT FUN for their students.  Obviously, in elementary it is much easier to make everything seem like fun, even the most mundane tasks… but eventually they will catch on if it isn’t actually fun.  But I have always laughed at the fact that it’s ALL IN THE PRESENTATION. If I was excited, THEY WERE TOO!   

SIDENOTE:

I work car-rider line, and EVERY MORNING I have a precious little momma who gets out the car, opens up both doors for her two little men (k and 1st I think), helps with their book sacks, gives them a big old hug, and then says, “HAVE FUN TODAY!”  I think too many have lost sight of the fact that we can have fun and learn at the same time.  this truly touches my heart on a daily basis!

So today I want to discuss one way to make it fun!

What is a Math Task Card? 

Our math task cards are small cards (usually the size of an index card) and they have a question (or activity) on it.  Students use the task cards and an answer document to write down the answer on the task card. There are usually enough task cards to keep the students engaged for at least ten minutes.  The task card will have a number on it, and students find that number on their answer document when they figure out the answer to the question. 

WHY USE A TASK CARD?

These are great to use for reinforcement of a skill taught and can also be used as an assessment.  Here’s the funny part, though. Honestly, it’s just a worksheet turned FUN! It’s cuter than a worksheet because we can add cute clipart, but it’s really just a problem on each card that could have been on a worksheet.  But do they LOVE them – YEP!  

PREP TIME FOR TASK CARDS:

It’s a little more prep for you on the backend, because you print, laminate, and cut – but then they are done!   Students can go back to the task cards all throughout the year when they need to review a skill. And here’s what I have learned, THEY WILL!  At first, they will pick task cards that are easy so they feel successful, but as you build a community of learners in your classroom, they will start to challenge themselves with topics that they need to master.  It happens EVERY.SINGLE.TIME!  

STORAGE OF TASK CARDS

I used these storage bins (not an affiliate link) and I taped the cover onto the cover.  Our school uses Eureka Math, so we have bins for each lesson, but you could also do bins for each standard.  I found this the easiest way to store, and they are super sturdy.  I’ve also found these bins at Michaels and Hobby Lobby – look for the deals!  

BUT… if you don’t have the money to purchase the bins, plastic bags work just fine!   I’ve also used small white envelopes and put the cover on those as well.  It just depends on the amount of money you want to spend and just how organized you like things.  My old store name was OCD in first, then OCD in Elementary… and there was a reason for that name!  OH… you could also hole punch each task card along with the cover, and then RING BIND them so that they don’t get lost.  I’ve done that as well.  

If you come up with another solution, please add your thoughts to our blog in the comment section – because remember… WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER! 

DIGITAL TASK CARD

Most of my printable task cards also come with a digital set included (honestly – it’s vice versa) – my digital sets come with a printable set, since I’m hoping to help teachers out there become more digital.  So, what’s a digital task card?  Well… so glad you are wanting to know… Students scan a QR code (so you will need some type of device for students to scan the QR code – like an iPad, Chromebook, or computer with camera).  Once students scan the code, they are then given a slideshow that they can work through. They work the problems on their whiteboard (if need be) and then write their answers on a paper document.  Once they are done, there’s also a QR code that they can scan to check their work. It’s a lovely process, and the students absolutely love using the QR codes.

You do NOT need Google Drive for these, but that’s where they are “housed”.  But the settings allow for anyone to use even if you’re not a Google district.  The other great things about these is that students click through at their own pace.  I absolutely LOVE them, and think they are the perfect way for you to dip your toes into the technology world with your elementary students.  You don’t need a ton of devices, and students know how to use the QR code.  HAVE FUN!!