Bright Hub Education

Preschool Flashcards

Before you begin, you will need to decide what type of flash cards you are making. Use these techniques on how to make prek flash cards to help you decide. You can make flash cards to reinforce just about any concept.

Alphabet Flash Cards

Materials for Cards

• Blank index cards
• Markers
• Computer/printer (optional)
• Cardstock (optional)
• Glue (optional)

Procedure for Cards

There are two ways you can make these. To make alphabet flash cards without a computer or printer, write each letter of the alphabet on a blank index card. It is important to include both upper and lower case letters so that your students can become adjusted to seeing both versions of the letter. You can also include a picture of something that starts with the letter. For example, on the “C" flash card, include a picture of a cat.

If you want printed flash cards, use cardstock. Simply space out letters. Four or six letter per page is a good rule of thumb. Be sure to include upper and lower case versions of the letter. You can also add images to your flash cards. One website to use for rights free images is www.flickr.com. You can also add your own images. Then, print your cards. An easy way to make flash cards for your students is to simply print out extras or make copies of the flash cards before you cut them.

Number Flash Cards

Materials for Cards

• Blank index cards
• Markers
• Computer/printer (optional)
• Cardstock (optional)
• Glue (optional)

Procedure for Cards

You can use either of the methods mentioned above to make number flash cards. Just use numbers instead of letters. Instead of using one image per card, use the number of images that is on the card. For example, put four images on the “4" card. You can also use dots instead of images.

Variations

Some other uses for flash cards include basic sight words and color words. Include pictures or images when possible. Simply use the same materials mentioned above. A wonderful way to make color flash cards is to show a block of the color along with the color word printed underneath it. For example, use a block of purple then print or write the word purple in purple ink.

You can also make vocabulary flash cards. These are especially useful for teaching a second language. To make the flash cards, include the English version on one side and the second language version on the other side. Pictures will provide a great visual aid.

Activities

You can use these flash cards throughout the day. They can be placed in centers to be used in center time. One great center game is to make upper case alphabet flash cards and lower case alphabet flash cards. Then, have your students match the upper case letter to the lower case letter.

You can also use your flash cards during circle time. You can use them to quiz your students to practice concepts you have already taught. Flash cards can even be pulled out when you have a few free minutes to practice letters, numbers, or whatever you choose. You can even use flash cards as your students are lining up to leave the classroom.

These suggestions on how to make prek flash cards make it as easy as 1, 2, 3!