5 Strategies for Using Index Cards to Get Ready for the Test

5 Strategies for Using Index Cards to Get Ready for the Test

Index cards are a cheap and easy way for your students to study for the test.  If a pack of index cards was not on the school supply list, then you will want to send a note to parents which asks them to provide a pack of index cards.  You can mention that the cards will be used to prepare for the upcoming test.  Be sure to specify the size, quantity, white or color, and if the cards should be ruled/lined or blank.  The cards typically come in 3” by 5” and 4” by 6”, are sold in packs of 100, and are all blank or one side is blank with the other side ruled/lined.  Students can keep their cards organized by wrapping them up in a rubber band, placing them in a zip-top bag, clipping them together with a binder clip, or punching a hole in the top corner of each card and hanging them on a binder ring/string/yarn/ribbon.

Vocabulary Pictionary

• Students will work in teams with two members on each team.
• Each student will need access to a stopwatch/timer, marker, and chart paper or a dry-erase board.
• The stack of vocabulary cards will be placed in a central location.
• The first team begins the game when one member picks a card and reviews the word and definition.  That member will have 1 minute to draw images which represent the vocabulary term or definition.  The member cannot use words or numbers in the image.  The team earns a point if the partner is able to identify the term.
• The next team takes their turn.
• You can set a time limit for the game or state the game is won when a team has 5/10 correct responses.

 

Vocabulary Charades

• Students will work in teams with two members on each team.
• Each student will need access to a stopwatch/timer and room to move.
• The stack of vocabulary cards will be placed in a central location.
• The first team begins the game when one member picks a card and reviews the word and definition.  That member will have 1 minute to “act-out” the word or definition.  The member cannot speak or use text, but can use props from around the room.  The team earns a point if the partner is able to identify the term.
• The next team takes their turn.
• You can set a time limit for the game or state the game is won when a team has 5/10 correct responses.

Vocabulary Drills (You can also include strategies, processes, or formulas.)

• Ask the students to number their cards by placing a number on the bottom right corner.
• Students will write a vocabulary term on the front and the definition on the back side of the card.
• Students will work with a partner or in a group of 3.
• One student holds the cards and asks the other(s) to define a word.  The student will confirm if the definition matches what is written on the back of the card.  If the definition is correct, the card is given to the student who correctly defined the word.  If the definition is incorrect, then the card is kept in the stack.
• You can set a time limit for the drill or state that the game is over after each student has 10/20/30 correct responses.

 

Vocabulary Showdown

• Students work in teams of 3, but this can also be done as a whole-class
• Have students put their cards in alphabetical order
• Students work at a quick pace as one person is in charge of calling out a definition.  The other two players quickly identify and try to locate the correct word in their stack of cards.  Each player draws their card from the stack and holds it up for review.  If the word is correct the card is placed in a separate stack.  The person in charge of calling out the card will share the correct term and repeat the definition
• Students keep playing until you call time or they have reached 10/20/30 correct responses.

 

Vocabulary Concentration or Matching Game

• Divide the pack in half
• Half the pack is used for the vocabulary words.  The word is written on one side of the card and the other side is left blank.
• Half of the pack is used for the definition.  The definition is written on one side of the card and the other side is left blank.
• The cards are laid out with the blank side up.
• Students pair up and take turns turning over two cards.
• The objective is to match the vocabulary term with the correct definition.
• The student keeps the cards they are able to match.  The student with the most matches wins.

 

In the comments section below, please share which index card strategies you are planning to use.  Let me know how your students will keep their cards organized.  Do you have any questions?  If so, please post them here or feel free to send an email to vlopez@treetopsecret.com.