Reading and Science combined into one fabulous task card set! Yes, please!
This is such a fun premise for a task card set and it’s one I invented several years ago. The sets have evolved over the years and my newest versions are just spectacular!
Let me explain…
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How best to combine reading and science?
My thinking, as I was inventing this format, was to make attractive reading selections that resembled a newspaper or magazine. Prior to this invention we used a popular kids’ magazine and loved it. But, the topics were not always connected to what we were studying.
So, I started creating my own newspaper layouts. More recently I started making these layouts horizontally and making the pages look like side-by-side pages of a magazine.
Now, how about the task cards?
Well, one thing we always did with our real magazines was to take note of the text features being used. So, I added many, many text features to my inventions and labeled them with alphabet letters.
Are you ready for this? The task cards have students identifying the text features or their purpose and answering content questions. It’s a perfect combination. Plus, the combination of reading and science- #Win-win
Here’s a peek at the Reading and Science Task Cards!
Isn’t that fabulous?! I love this one. This sample is from the space set and it includes four pages of articles. Each page has the text features labeled.
The first set of task cards is blue and has students take a closer look at the text features.
This one is also from my space set and you can see the green task cards that ask content questions.
So, what would your prep be to get a set ready for students? Great question!
- Print and laminate the magazine pages. There are four to most of the sets. You would never need to print copies for every student! Print a couple of sets and students can work together. They only need one page at a time so share and trade.
- Also, I provide each set in black/white so you can choose to make more copies using less ink!
- Print, laminate, and cut apart the task cards. These are also provided in black/white.
I have a great alternative to the Reading and Science task cards…
Because I love making Boom sets, I decided to try converting these magazine reading task cards into Boom sets. Take a look:
This sample is from the Skeleton set. Notice that the magazine part only covers half the page. The question and answer choices are on the opposite side. Same great colors and photos, but no printing, laminating, or cutting. Also, Boom cards are self-checking!
What topics are available?
Another great question! I currently have six different sets- both are provided in the printable and Boom formats. Take a look:
These are all from the reading and science task card versions which includes:
- The Polar Regions
- Rocks, Minerals, and Volcanoes
- Skeleton
Which one do you think kids like the most?
My vote is Rocks and Minerals- I think that topic is always fascinating!
These three are from the Reading and Science Boom versions which includes the same topics as the task card sets.
The three pictured are:
- Groundhog Day
- Sharks
- Exploring Space
The kid-favorite with these is, of course, sharks!
These sets work perfectly for centers, morning work, seat-work at small group time, small group instruction, and virtual learning. Pages can be sent home or used on the Boom site.
Will I add more sets? Absolutely! I currently have several additional sets that are not science-related. And, I have more planned!
You can see the sets by clicking on any of the images! You might also like these blog posts:
