Flashcards are cards with words, numbers, or pictures that are quickly displayed. One side of the flashcard usually contains a singular image of an object, letter, or number, while the other side contains a word or a definition. This minimalistic design lets learners focus on the image when it is flashed. The images printed on the cards and how they are used („flashing of cards”) stimulate the mind to identify the flashed images. This is why they are ideal for use as educational games.
Flashcards can be used at any class level. They should be clear, colourful, and printed on cardboard. They can be of different types; smaller ones are used in matching, sorting, or making sentences. Flashcards are easy-to-use and handy resources, important tools for memorization and understanding of concepts, and they can have a positive effect on students’ visual learning. They are excellent and provide an interactive way to present vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar practice, drilling and repetition, identification, TPR activities. They also spark conversation and discussion. Students can learn new vocabulary, pick up topics, and engage in conversation. Debate cards can be used in classes with older students to liven up the conversation by dividing students into groups of pros and cons. A special kind of flashcard is SnapWords®, that can be found on SnapWords® | Multisensory Sight Words – Child1st Publications. They contain the written word in a funny way, with actions, figures drawn in the letters so the meaning of the word can be easily understood. You can find Child1st resources here: Try_Before_You_Buy_Sample_Links.pdf
Veronica Gelfgren’s book, Fun with Flashcards – 150+ Ideas for Using Flashcards in the Classroom, is filled with ideas on how to use flashcards for all ages, from basic vocabulary games for very young children to grammar and discussion exercises for older ones. The book includes easy-to-make and inexpensive sets of flashcards.
Smaller flashcards, which contain only words or a combination of a picture and a word, can teach word order; pupils arrange them to make sentences on the desk or in a pocket chart. A pocket chart has long, transparent “pockets”, where small cards are inserted. Because young children may not enjoy lengthy writing activities and mainly learn kinaesthetically, this method is a good alternative to traditional matching, or sentence-building activities. Another fun option is arranging storycards in order and retelling the story.
Online downloadable, thematically organized flashcard collection with activity suggestions can be found on : supersimple.com/?s=flashcards, www.mes-english.com/flashcards.php, bogglesworldesl.com/cards.htm Many flashcard apps are available, allowing learners to create their own flashcards, or access large libraries of user-submitted sets. They are designed to turn studying into a game. Some popular apps are studyable.app/, www.cram.com/ and quizlet.com/.
Activities:
- Guess the word: The teacher puts flashcards in an envelope with small holes. Students guess the item from the little details revealed.
- Memory game: Stick flashcards on the board, drill the words, then say to the pupils: “Close your eyes!” Remove one card, then say: “Open your eyes!” Students say the words aloud and must also recall the missing image.
- Grab It Relay / Race to Touch Flashcards are spread on the floor or glued on the board. Students line up in teams; the teacher calls out a flashcard, and the first person in each team races to grab it.
- Who’s Got What? Students sit in a circle and secretly pass flashcards from hand to hand. When the teacher says “Stop,” they guess who has the named card.
References
Budden, J. Using flash cards with young learners. TeachingEnglish | British Council. www.teachingenglish.org.uk/professional-development/teachers/managing-resources/articles/using-flash-cards-young-learners
Budden, J. (n.d.). Using flash cards. TeachingEnglish | British Council. Using flash cards | TeachingEnglish | British Council
Gelfgren, V. (2012). Fun with flashcards: 150+ ideas for using flashcards in the classroom. Learnmore Projects.