Using task cards in the classroom is a great way to engage students. Task cards can cover any subject from simple math to complex science topics. They can be used at centers or placed around the room. Task cards can be physical cards or digital cards. Boom cards and Google Slides™ are often used as digital task cards.

Using task cards to encourage movement

My favorite way to use task cards is to incorporate into an obstacle course. I have set up simple courses in classroom without moving any of the desks. I have the students move around the desks and on the aisles doing different movements. Task cards are set up at different intervals between activities. I have also set up courses where the students first move the desks to a central area as part of the “heavy work” warm-up. I have been lucky to have a dedicated “OT space” where I have set up obstacle courses with equipment. Task cards are placed on the wall, at the top of ladders, in tunnels, and hanging from the ceiling above a trampoline.

Using movement with task cards

Some ideas include:

• In a classroom, have the students do “follow the leader” between task cards
• Go outdoors and use playground equipment (climb ladders, go down slide) then do task cards at intersections
• Move the desks to create the obstacle course then go around and under the desks
• Set up cards at different stations in the room; follow movement cards to go from one station to the next
• Include a task card in the center that has them doing movement, such as 5 jumping jacks
• Do task cards during “circle time” where each student gets a turn doing an animal walk to get the card then an animal walk back to their chair

Task cards for educating

Kids and teachers love task cards because they are different than simple worksheets.

They can be:

• Engaging in content and design
• Used to reinforce concepts
• Part of a sub plan or an end-of-the-day activity
• Used for “Fun Friday” when used as exit tickets and/or prizes given for completion.

Popular resources

Grab some movement cards to incorporate into your obstacle courses

Have fun!