Test prep can be such a dreaded time of year. But, I have found a lot of ways to make it a little more fun and that’s by using task cards for test prep! I sure don’t love testing, who does? I printed up a big stack of math and ELA task cards and then found lots of quick and fun ways to use them. Let me share 8 of my favorite ways to use task cards for test prep.
1. Quick Line Up
Let’s face it, we don’t have any extra time in our day. Quick line up activities are perfect for the busy classroom. When my class is getting ready to leave for lunch, recess, or specials I pull out a set of task cards. I show a card to one student at a time. As they answer correctly, they get to line up. If they get it wrong, they stay in their seat.
If we have enough time, I can come back to those students who missed their questions the first time around. The best part is that if we run out of time, I can just have the rest of the class line up as usual. No big deal! If that happens, I start on the opposite side of the class the next time we line up. It is good practice and gives me a quick look at the skills and students that need a little extra reteaching.
2. Quiz Quiz Trade with Task Cards for Test Prep
Another way I love to use task cards for test prep is a quick quiz quiz trade. This gives my students the opportunity to talk to one another and learn from each other. I also love that this activity doesn’t require any prep!
We use the stand up, hands up, pair up method for students to find a partner. Partner A holds up the task card to show partner B the question. Partner B answers. Partner A praises if correct or coaches if incorrect. They switch roles and Partner B asks Partner A the next question.
After thanking each other and switching cards, Partners A and B raise their hands to find a new partner and repeat the process for a specific amount of time.
This strategy comes from Kagan Cooperative Learning. I’ve linked the book below if you’re interested in checking it out to find out other cooperative learning strategies you can incorporate into using task cards for test prep!
3. Trashketball Using Task Cards for Test Prep
To keep test prep engaging, I LOVE to add in some games. Trashketball just happens to be one of my students’ favorite games! It is super simple to play. All you need is a trashcan, ball, masking tape, and task cards.
I divide my class into two teams. I show the first person a task card. If they answer the question correctly, they automatically get 1 point for their team. Then they get to decide if they want to go for 2 points or 3 points. The 2-point line is a little closer than the 3 point line. The player tries to throw the ball into the trashcan to earn bonus points for their team. The team with the most points at the end of playtime is the winner.
4. Task Cards for Test Prep in Math Centers
Another super easy way to use task cards for test prep is during centers. I use task cards in my math and reading centers all year, but they are especially helpful during test prep!
5. Math Game Shows
My students love to play game shows! And playing with sets of task cards allows me to customize the game to cover the skills that my students need to review the most. I use magnets to attach a pocket chart to my whiteboard.
I choose different sets of task cards and pick 5 or 6 from each set. Each set is a different category on my game board. Just sequence them from easiest to the most challenging. Flip them over backward and with a dry erase marker (on lamination) write $100-$500 on the cards.
I divide the class into 3-5 groups. Students take turns choosing a category and dollar amount. But I make all students solve the question on their whiteboard. If all students are not working, then I will ask the opposing team to answer for the points.
Last year, I allowed my students to come into the classroom 30 minutes before school to play review game shows for the week prior to testing. I had more than half of my class there every day! It is THAT fun! And they barely notice how much they are learning.
Don’t want to make your own? You can grab my Math Game Shows here.
6. Board Games with Task Cards for Test Prep
Test prep can get very stressful for students. Just imagine my kids’ surprise when I announce that we are going to take some time out to play Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Jenga, and Checkers! Of course, I add the task cards to give it that educational twist.
Give each group a set of cards (easy to differentiate!). They keep them facedown. On their turn, a student flips a task card. If they answer the question correctly, they get to take their turn on the board game. The kids love it!
7. Entrance and Exit Tickets
Exit tickets are a great way to get a quick idea of which students have mastered a skill and who still needs help. Instead of using paper and pencil, I use task cards! Line your class up. As they are leaving, show them a task card (something that can be done mentally) and have them answer.
If they get it correct, they leave. If they get it incorrect, I have them stand to the side and listen as others answer. When everyone has had one chance, I will give those who missed the first question a second try. I am also mentally memorizing the group so that I know who to pull for more practice tomorrow.
This strategy can also be used as students are entering their classrooms. It makes for a great warm-up. During bell work, you can pull those few students that are struggling for a mini-lesson.
8. Scoots
Scoots are another great way to use task cards for test prep. I use scoots all year long! During test prep, I just use them even more. The great thing about scoots is that students are up and moving around the room. Research about the way the brain works shows that we remember the most when we are moving. Plus, my students always get antsy if they have to stay in their desk for too long. I find that allowing them to scoot decreases the number of behavior issues.
There are different ways to do a scoot, but this is how I manage them in my classroom: All students are given a recording sheet. Then I lay the task cards around on desks. Students are instructed to work on the card closest to them and then scoot around the desks answering all of the cards. They do not need to be answered in order. The student just needs to put the answer in the correct place on the recording sheet.
Everyone is working independently (although you could do a partner scoot if you wanted), so this allows me to scoot around with my intervention and special education kiddos. I read the cards to them and help them find the correct place to answer on their recording sheets.
I often use scoots in place of a traditional assessment, so I typically collect the recording sheets and grade them. This is a good way to help me know which students need more help and plan your small group intervention. Sometimes, depending on time and the skill, I will display the answer key and we will go over the answers as a class. My hope when doing this is that students are correcting their work and understanding their mistakes!
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