Friday, May 9, 2014

A Great Teacher Tool - Index Cards!

Index Cards -- A Multipurpose Tool

One day on an impulse, I put about 30 index cards in my kit on the way to an assignment.  I thought they would come in handy.  Indeed they did, because I needed a "Do Now" that was quick and easy. Although I got to the assignment early as usual, the administrator switched me to a different class that had already started.

I decided to start the day with an open ended question about the day's topic. First, I gave each student an index card and told them to write their name and date on the card. Then, I asked them to write an answer to an open ended question. Finally, I after I reviewed the plans, I was able to give instructions for the next step. As they got their books ready, I collected the cards. It was a way to buy time to figure my next move. Index cards are great for short writing prompts or exit tickets. Other uses for index cards:


  1. Name tags for tables
  2. Use instead of note paper
  3. Playing games
  4. Writing prompts
  5. Information about students
  6. Quick note for schedule or phone numbers
  7. Easy checklist or things to do list
  8. Language Art Activities
  9. Flash cards
  10. A way to save paper and time
There are plenty of other ways to use index cards in a classroom:

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