Author: Adrian Tennant | Published on 1 June 2023
Read what a teacher says about this activity:
I love this activity. Making flashcards is the perfect activity to involve your learners. it helps to develop their creativity, confidence and co-operation. With young learners it helps them develop their motor skills. I’ve also noticed that when they’re making flashcards, some of my shy learners talk more than they usually do.
Stage 1: Prepare
Bring enough card, scissors and glue to the class. You can also bring old magazines / newspapers or ask the learners to bring them from home.
Stage 2: Introduce
Put learners in pairs or small groups and distribute the materials.
Say: “Today you are going to make flashcards. The topic is <say the topic> e.g. animals / food / jobs. You can find these pictures in the magazines or draw your own.”
Stage 3: Create
Get learners to make some flashcards. Circulate, monitor and help where necessary.
Here are some ideas for the flashcards:
- Picture and word both on the front.
- Picture on the front and word on the back.
- Word in English and in L1.
- Word in English + phonemic script.
Stage 4: Collect
Collect the finished flashcards and put them in a folder or box.
Stage 5: Use
Use the flashcards in your classes when they fit the topic of the lesson.
Learners feel really appreciated when they are making the flashcards and especially when the flashcards are used by the teacher.