Task cards-Sub plans in a box

Wrapping up my 6th year of teaching in a few weeks and I find that I'm always learning in this field. An amazing special education teacher who co-taught with me this year introduced me to task cards. She came from the elementary level where these little colorful cards are all the rage. My first thought was, 'will this really keep my scholars engaged? Isn't this the same as a worksheet just cut into pieces?' I would learn this year that no, these are so much more than a colorful worksheet, and yes, the kids love them!

I started with a set of cards my co-teacher brought with her as a review one day. I explained how we would rotate around to each card which my co-teacher referred to as "scoot." My scholars began their journey and I fell in love with this learning aid.

These cards are incredibly versatile. Review, kwl, vocabulary, extra practice, early finishers, remediation and slow pace learners, gifted and fast pace learners, these cards help to close gaps and make differentiation easy. Your only limitations are your imagination.  I've found that having multiple sets for each objective allows me to be more flexible in how often I can use them. 

The best surprise I found with task cards, is the instant no prep sub plans.  I leave the key and some recording sheets with the substitute.  The students work on these and have the opportunity to talk with each other while being focused (hardest part for subs).  Overall, I've gotten sub reports back that show more of my students were engaged and less behavior issues arose.  There are no copies to make if you have some premade recording sheets on hand.  I have students make their own recording sheets sometimes by folding blank computer paper or notebook paper.

How do you use task cards?