I wanted to take a minute today to show you how to create this Center Board, a great tool for setting up centers for guided reading or guided math.
This is one of the handiest creations I’ve made for my classroom. It’s the perfect way to use one of my all-time favorite activities: TASK CARDS!
Check out my video on how I made mine!
Hi Jenna,
I love your board! I haven't made one of these since student teaching, they were always so handy. Two questions: The task cards I make are in sets of 24-32, to ensure each student has their own card plus more if needed. Do you put the full sets in your small card sections, or just one card for the task you're assigning? If you put whole sets in those sections, how do you make sure the students use the correct directions? Thanks, and I think your board looks great!
Wendy (AlwaysLearning)
Hi Wendy! Thanks so for reading 🙂
So, most of the task cards that I buy (I'm just a task card junkie!!) or make come in large sets. Typically, I don't put the whole set in the board because that would be more work than I need (students are usually only at this station for about 10-15 minutes). Often what I do is put the cards in so that they get more difficult as you go (so, the card in slot #1 is easier than the card in, say, slot #8). To differentiate, I may have a set of directions for my struggling learners that says something like: "Complete cards 1-6 with a partner. If you finish early, try #8-10 for a challenge." And then, when we rotate stations and my higher group arrives at the board, I can change the directions out with a new set that says, "Complete #4-12 independently. If you get stuck, you may phone a friend."
Now, if I need the station to be totally independent (meaning I will not have time to go over and change out the directions with each rotation), I will give students a tiered response sheet. My lowest students will work on the problems in ascending order (so start with #1 and make their way to #12) and my average/higher students work in descending order (so start with #12 and work your way down). That way, I don't have have to change out any directions!
I hope this wasn't too confusing!!
Is there a place where I can get the circles that you used for your title/lables? I would love to have an editable set!
I will look through my digital files to see if I saved them and if I did, I will post them. But really, all I did was make circles in Microsoft Publisher, layered them, and typed over them!
No, this was very clear indeed! And I love your ideas and how to best utilize your station while differentiating. Thank you so much, I plan to follow your blog.
Wendy https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Alwayslearning
One more question, Jenna! Did you design your beautiful blog yourself or have someone help you with it? I love it! It's bright and attractive, without being primary at all!
Thanks,
Wendy
I did design it myself! Thanks!! I knew absolutely nothing about creating a blog when I started, but I've loved learning how to do all this stuff. Yay for youtube!!
You are awesome….and a leetle intimidating! I'll have to give it a whirl myself!
Don't be intimidated, really! I'm blown away at how much "help" is available out there on the Internets for doing stuff like this! The people who take the time to make those videos and tutorials, they are intimidating!!
If you cut the page protectors into quarters, aren't they open around some of the sides? Do you glue or tape the sides closed (I presume leaving one side open to slip the cards in)?
I use clear packing tape to make sure three of the four sides are closed. And like you said, the fourth side is how I slip the cards in and out 🙂
Do you set up multiple stations like this at a time? Or do you use it soleley as a singles station withing a different set of rotations?
This is one station of several… other stations might be Math Reflex on the computers, working with the teacher, completing a choice activity, etc. But I usually always have a task card station working (like the one featured) because I have SO MANY TASK CARDS 🙂
Hi Jenna!
I have recently been moved back to the 7th grade math classroom after many years teaching STEM. I have begun collecting and creating Task Cards, but I am not really sure I understand their purpose. They seem like individual worksheet problems split up on note cards. So what is the value in using Task Cards? What am I missing?
I love your board and I am working on one of my own to debut in the 2018-2019 school year with my rotating centers and Guided Math groups, but I want to make sure I understand its true value and purpose. Any thoughts, advice, input, or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!!!
Hi! So, yes, they are nothing more than split up worksheets. BUT, because of that, they are SO MUCH MORE versatile than worksheets!! First, they are easy to differentiate because you can assign specific cards to certain students. Next, it allows you get the kids moving. Spread them out around the room and make kids travel to the cards. Third, you can use them for so many games. You'll be amazed at how much more math kids will do when there is a competitive element added in. Fourth, it makes "choice" so much easier since you can insert them into menu boards. Gah!! I could go on, but I'm sure you get the picture. They really offer a lot of versatility to your day. Hope that helps! Good luck with your new position 🙂