How to Use the Task Card System {with videos}

Over the last few months, a couple thousand moms have downloaded my Task Card system. It sounds as if many have found them to be exactly what they've needed to not only organize their homeschool day but also encourage some independent learning. That being said, however, I do receive a few emails/messages each week with questions regarding how to set it all up and how to implement it into the homeschool day.

(This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for full details.)

Today, I thought I'd tackle a few of the FAQs by putting together two brief HOW TO videos. As you watch these, please keep in mind the following...

1. What works for my homeschool, may or may not work for yours. Feel free to listen to my spiel, but then adapt or evolve the system for your own children.
2. My best gal pals can attest that I am a fast talker and that I NEVER stop talking. Brevity has never come easy for me. My apologies in advance.

How to set up Task Cards

As I mentioned, the base charts get rather heavy when filled with all the tags. I used Command Small Picture Hanging Strips to attach the base chart to the wall without damaging my paint. I'd also really recommend using high quality velcro dots to secure the tags to the base charts, otherwise you might find yourself replacing dots over time.

How to Implement Task Cards

Although we start and end our day at the same time, we tackle the rest of the school day without a set time schedule. Instead, we have a daily flow...a rotation of subjects in groups of three.

Here's a few last minute tips for ordering task cards.

• Obviously subjects done altogether need to be planned for when you ALL will be available to do them. For me, it is easiest to schedule these at the natural "start ups" of the day...the start of the morning just after I do a few preschool activities with my littlest learner and just after lunch/afternoon chores. 
• One of the primary reasons for implementing work boxes or task cards is to encourage independence. Once the task cards are in place, you should not have to tell your child what they should be working on and you should not find them wandering around with nothing to do. They should be responsible to consult their card and get busy on the next task. 
• In order for a child to be TRULY independent with his/her work, the work has to be easily accessible. All books and supplies should be stored in such a way that a child can get the, and put them back ALL BY THEMSELVES. 
• The older the child, the more helpful task cards become. Obviously with my kindergartener, the task cards have been a nice learning process. I don't expect as much independence from him as I do from my fourth grade. She, on the other hand, can and DOES work through her card with very little involvement from me. There are, obviously, still subjects that I work on with her. But, the responsibility to be ready for those subjects...and ready ON TIME...lies on her.
• These cards have revolutionized our day.  They have given us order, allowed us to include some fun extras throughout each day, and have encouraged some much-needed independence.  I hope they will be a help to you, as well.  

For more information or to find out how to access the Task Cards, be sure to read my original post.