Assorted Index Cards

The many uses of index cards make them a huge asset in homes, offices, and classrooms. Keep a few cards in desks or backpacks to quickly jot notes in class or in a drawer at home to write cherished family recipes. In the office, the cards come in handy to keep track of phone numbers and addresses. Superior quality cards, indexing accessories, and paper from brands like Mead, Avery, Top Notch Teacher Products, and JAM Paper are available at Staples.

Colored index cards for quick reference
A variety of colors are available to coordinate projects and activities effectively. Parents and teachers can color-code cards by subject or difficulty to help students glide along the learning path. Offices can categorize client and vendor contact information easily for quick reference in the future. The cards are large enough to print the information or attach a business card. At home, the colored cards make it easy to assign chore lists for everyone so that there's no more hassle of remembering who has to do what.

Ruled vs. unruled index cards
Ruled cards help keep information neat and legible. Print letters of the alphabet on individual ruled cards so young students can easily see how they should look. Leave enough space so they can practice as well. Write recipes on ruled cards so that ingredients and instructions don't run together. Unruled cards are ideal for flashcards, doodling, making diagrams, or taking notes. Both ruled and unruled cards serve the same purpose, so it comes down to preference in the end.

Stock up with bulk packs
The number of cards needed varies from project to project. Small packs of up to 50 cards are generally suitable for home use, while bulk packs of 500 to more than 1,000 cards are handy to have in the classroom or office supply closet. Keep a variety of cards in the supply closet so that students and staff always have what they need. Be sure to keep extras on hand for craft projects and doodling.

How can index cards aid teachers and students in the classroom?
They are an effective way to help students learn. For younger students, teachers can print letters, sound blends, and other flashcards so students can practice. Older students can use the cards to prepare for science and math tests on their own or with classmates. Cards can be color-coded by subject or difficulty. For flashcards, consider placing them on a ring so that flipping through them is easy, and there's less chance of the cards getting separated.

Are there secure index card filing options?
Businesses may want to store the information on index cards so it doesn't get into the wrong hands. Smaller fiberboard storage boxes and plastic containers with hinged lids can store in a secure location easily. Lockable security boxes provide added security to safeguard important information.

Are dividers available to make filing index cards easy?
There are several options available when it comes to tabbed dividers. Prelettered card guides made with sturdy polypropylene or heavy fiberboard are available. Blank tabbed dividers allow for customizing files to suit individual needs. For filing on the go, consider a portable plastic case or a spiral-bound card notebook that fits in a backpack or briefcase.