3 Simple Ways to Engage Your Scholars With Flashcards

I love using flashcards in my classroom. They are a quick way for me to assess where my scholars are. However, I’ve been getting tired of using flashcards the same way for each class. Usually what I do is print out the cards or project them on the screen and just have my scholars read it. I need something new!! I created these Long and Short Flashcards for my kinders and started thinking: “How else can I use these?”. Keep reading to read the ideas I had. Hopefully it’ll inspire you!

Rhythm Guess

Why not use these flashcards to assess a different way? Print and laminate the smaller size flashcards (they come in 2 sizes!) and hand them out to your scholars. You can play or sing a rhythm and have your scholars hold up the flashcard that matches the rhythm that you performed. There are a total of 16 rhythms in this packet. I would suggest giving your scholars no more than 3 cards so that they are able to quickly scan through their flashcards and hold up the card that matches the rhythm you performed. Even better, you can start with giving them 3 cards and slowly increase the amount of cards throughout the year to make the task more challenging.

Instrument Ostinatos

I always try to incorporate instrument playing in my kindergarten music classes, even if it’s something as simple as passing out a tambourine at the end of the class and having student explore. So I figured let’s have them use these flashcards to sight read! Pass out a flashcard to your scholars or project it on the board. Using an instrument of your choice, have scholars practice playing the rhythm they have. This is something that you can do as a full class or in small groups. It can also work as an assessment. Your kids will be reading rhythms and playing instruments–how exciting is that!

Long & Short March

Now we know that our littles need to be up and moving during the class, even if it’s a quick brain break. Play some music and have scholars move according to the rhythm that is projected. For example, they can walk on long notes and tip toe on short notes. When you change the rhythm they change their movement pattern. You can make it a game by eliminating scholars who move incorrectly. Remember it’s always important to keep kinders busy so when they are eliminated from the game make sure you have something for them to do! My favorite thing is to have them keep a steady beat on an instrument- they can even play the rhythm that you project so that they are still practicing.

What are some creative ways you use flashcards in your classroom?