How-To Use Topic Cards in Your Classroom - A Lesson Plan for Teachers

Are you working toward giving students more autonomy and independence in your classroom?

Have you used Topic Cards for your Genius Hour projects?

This is a simple how-to post for using topic cards in secondary classrooms.

Or are you stumped on how to use generic resources for complex learning?

Here’s a simple how-to for using Topic Cards that can spark incredible learning!

Create or find Topic Cards that best fit your classroom or your topic of study.
Print and laminate cards for year-to year use.
Display cards for student selection or randomly distribute cards.
Encourages students to start with 2 cards and begin project-based study and research by comparing the two (related) topics.
Begin by having students create or utilize a graphic organizer or comparison chart.Visit my store for a free SPRITE Organizer for Social Studies topics or my BRAGS Organizer for any lesson!
Allow time for students to further investigate topic and to research for details.
Assign writing prompts comparing topics as students develop their knowledge on the topics.
Encourage project development and application using topic content or skills.
At the end of the project period, have students draw new cards to review or quiz for content knowledge and concept understanding!
As topics are covered, display the topic card and the project on a classroom wall for student recognition and content reinforcement.

This is just one suggestion for using Topic Cards in your classroom. Take a look at my U.S. History Topic Cards for even more ideas to make your classroom engaging, content-strong, and FUN!

Be sure to see my other How-To Series topics on my blog and visit my TpT Store for engaging, content strong lessons!

If you are a middle or high school teacher, these ideas on using topic cards will open so many doors for you and your students. The suggestions are especially great for Social Studies classes and those doing Genius Hour.

Happy Teaching!