3 Part Cards - DIY from Flash Cards

I have just fallen in love with 3-part cards!  My first post about these cards tells some tips on how to use these with your students and a little research behind why it's an effective strategy.  

Today's post is how to DIY these cards for CHEAP!!!  Which makes it my favorite way to do it!

It's super easy.  I seriously just created a new work for my son in less than 3 minutes.

Here's what to do: 

1. Go to the Bullseye Playground, previously the One Spot, at Target (you know you're there anyway) or even the educational section of any dollar store. 
2. Find flash cards.
3. Buy 2 sets.
4. Leave one set whole.  Cut one set into parts.  

Ta Da!  Just like that!  3-part cards!

The particular set we are working on is naming US presidents.  I found these sets of flashcards 50% off at Target last year, spending a total of $1. 

I separated them into smaller groups, because 44 president flash cards are just too many at one time.  

I cut the name off of the card. 

Done.  Such a great use of $1!   Now let's see if he (and I) can learn some presidents by face!!

STEM Time - Gravity Maze Edition

Ok, so I know that STEM is a bit of a "buzz word" right now, but seriously.  My 4 year old LOVES this stuff!!!  He loves creating.  He loves designing.  He loves testing it out and fixing it when things don't go well.  He'll say, "Hmmm!  Let's test it out!" 💙💙

Our current obsession is the Gravity Maze!  Have you checked this out yet??

The best part: It is DIFFERENTIATED!!!  Which means I love it the most.  The absolute most.

Ok, so here's how it works.  It comes with a grid, a marble, and these building towers, each with a different path in which a marble can travel.  When you put the towers together in certain ways, the marble can travel a pretty long path.

You have SO MANY options for how to use all of this.

1 - Put the towers together any way you choose.  Drop the marble in and see what happens.  This is a great test of perseverance.  Seriously.  How many times can the marble fall out, hit the floor, roll under the couch, and you just still try again?  Turns out, a lot.

2 - Look at the challenge card.  Try to get from point A to point B on your own.  This is pretty challenging.  Hence the name of the card, I suppose.

3 - Look at the solution and build the towers how the solution tells you.  For a beginner, even this step is a challenge.  Are the towers in the right spot?  Are they facing the correct direction?  Where did I make a mistake?  Why is the marble STILL under the couch?!?!

But even better, there are FOUR levels of cards - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert.  THAT IS SO MUCH DIFFERENTIATION!!  Can you tell I'm excited about it??  😁

We are going to keep exploring new STEM products and sharing when we find ones we love!


What is your current favorite STEM product to use with your students??