FREE Task Cards to Make Lesson Planning Easier in October

I hate purchasing something and only having one way to use it, don’t you? 

Don’t get me wrong; there are some things that ONLY have one way to use it.  For others, however, there is often more than one way to utilize it.

I like knowing that I am getting a lot of “bang for my buck”.

Today I am sharing a forever freebie in my store that is perfect for the month of October.


Ideas to use: Free October early finishers task cards


Click here to download these October Early Finisher Task Cards, and then come back here to read different ways to use them in your classroom during the month of October.

 

Print and prepare your free task cards by printing on cardstock, laminating for durability, and then cutting them out.

 

You can store them in a Ziploc bag.  My favorite way to store all of the months is by using the little expandable plastic pockets you can purchase at Dollar Tree for only one dollar.

Pink, blue, orange folders


I purchased a few of these, and I stored all of my task cards for the year in these. 

I placed these in a plastic basket in my cabinet.  I used task cards weekly in my classroom, so this is a great storage organization that worked well through the years.

Early Finisher Activities

Place these task cards in a small basket on a shelf that is easily accessible to students.  When a student finishes his or her work, instead of asking you what to do next, the student will get a piece of paper and a task card. 

Morning Work

Display one of the task cards using a projector system.  When students arrive in your classroom, all students will complete the same activity.  If the activity is longer than time allows, have students complete the work during any free time throughout the day.  Students can use spiral notebooks labeled “Morning Work” and complete one activity each day.

Writing

There are many opportunities to get your students to write creatively.  Use a card during your writing segment, and have all students use the same writing prompt.  Encourage students to read their finished products with the class, in small groups of students, or with partners.  Make it really fun for the students by completing the writing prompt also and then reading yours to the entire class!

Center Work

Choose one of the task cards for a center activity.  Copy the card by making it large and displaying it so that all of the students in the center can see it.  Provide needed materials to complete.  For instance, if you use the spiders facts and opinions, add some nonfiction books to the center for students to read and use for facts.

Art Activity

Choose a task card that includes an art activity.  Provide art materials for students to use.  Display the finished product on a bulletin board, your door, or in the hallway to share with others.

 


No matter how you use these task cards in your classroom, your students will be using their creative juices to write, draw, create, list, design, complete math, learn a little about special days of the month, and so much more!

 I hope these free task cards inspire you for several different activities in your own classroom.

If you love these task cards, you can find the rest of the months for ONLY $1 each!

Early finishers task cards


How do you plan on using them in your own classroom?  I would love to know!  Just comment below!

Finding "Extra" Time in Your Busy School Day

The school day is hectic. Teachers have very little time for themselves. Finding enough time to plan and stay ahead of everything without staying late and taking a ton of work home in the afternoon or on weekends might seem impossible, but it’s not!


How to find extra time in your day


The trick is to find the time when there is no extra time. 

 What? That doesn’t make sense…but it will!

There are little pockets of time spread throughout your day, but you don’t even realize that they are there!

• Make a habit of carrying a notepad and pen with you ALL. Day. Long! If you’re walking down the hallway and think of something you need to include in your lesson plans for next week, jot it down! Having a place to record all of your random thoughts during the day can save you so much time later!

• While it’s enjoyable and a stress reliever to visit with coworkers during planning time during the day, before school, or after school, it’s genuinely a time-sucker! Instead, spend your time visiting at lunch and recess duty. Those are perfect times to unwind and destress during the school day. It’s truly astonishing how much time you lose when talking to others.


Set a timer


• Set a timer for 15 minutes during your planning time. When you are laser-focused for even 15 minutes, you will be amazed at how much you can get done. Use this time exclusively for writing lesson plans, getting materials together, etc.

• Use the year-long monthly calendars you prepared for your year to stay on track. Choose one day out of the month when you can stay late at school. Even if you have to spend an extra 2-3 hours to plan out the following month in-depth, it is better than being late every day for thirty minutes or longer. Doing this will help you get out the door on time the rest of the month and is so worth it!

• Make all of your copies for an entire week (or even better, the entire month) at one time. Cutting down on trips to the copier will save you so much time during the day.

• Make sure that you have something to work on and complete, such as grading, lesson planning, etc., while waiting for student programs, faculty meetings, and more to begin. Even five minutes will save you time later.

Try to be thoughtful and a good steward of your time. When you can find a few extra minutes in your day, it’s a big win. Doing so will help you more than you realize to leave school on time each day.




Do you have any tips or tricks to find extra time in your busy day?  Comment below to share!

Helping you to get out the door and home to your family is just...