English Language Arts: Applying Language Skills

K-12: Standard 12

• Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Standards for the English Language Arts, by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English, Copyright 1996 by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. Reprinted with permission.

Source: NCTE/IRA Standards for the English Language Arts

Fine Arts: Visual Arts

K-4 Standard 1: Understanding and Applying Media, Techniques and Processes

• Students use different media, techniques and processes to communicate ideas, experiences and stories.

K-4 Standard 3: Choosing and Evaluating a Range of Subject Matter, Symbols and Ideas

• Students select and use subject matter, symbols and ideas to communicate meaning.

Source: National Standards for Arts Education

Flashcards provide wonderful math reinforcement with problem solving, equivalents, conversions, etc. They are great practice for recognizing upper and lower case letters, colors, opposites, synonyms, antonyms and homonyms. They may be used to learn state capitals, dates and events in history or authors and their books. Almost any die-cut can be used.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Supplies Used: Adhesive Letters, Cardstock, Glue, Permanent Marker, Scissors

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

1. Die-cut desired shapes from multiple colors of construction paper or cardstock. Paper can be laminated prior to cutting for more durable flashcards.
   
2. Decorate and layer die-cuts using glue. To layer, leave one shape whole and cut highlights out of other colors (Figures A and B).
   
3. Adhere an additional Backpack pocket to create an insert for the heart flashcard. Alternately, create a horizontal slit in the backpack to insert the heart flashcard (Figure C).
   
4. Use adhesive letters and numbers or print with a permanent marker to create letter matches, equations, states and capitals or other facts for match up (see Main Photo).