Ways to Use Boom Task Cards in Music Classes

Ways to Use Boom Task Cards in Elementary Music Classes

Use Boom Cards as Centers or Stations

Any time I have students working in centers, I always have some way to hold them accountable at each station. If you are using Boom Cards with individual student accounts, their scores will automatically be recorded. If you are using the FastPlay option, consider creating a simple score sheet for students to fill out and turn in their scores.

Use Boom Cards With Entire Class | Question/All Write

Display each question on the white board while the entire class writes their own answer on paper or individual write/wipe boards.

If you are using the Rhythm Builder Block Lessons, you may use this FREE Boom Card Rhythm Block Template for students to write their answers.

If you are using Melody Builder Block Lessons, you may this FREE  Melodic Boom Cards Treble Clef Template with pennies or small BINGO chips for notes.  Use a piece of yarn or a pipe cleaner for a ledger line if necessary.

Use Boom Cards for Pre/Post Tests 

These Boom Cards work well for pre/post tests. If students score above 90-95%, allow them to progress to the next set. If students score low on the pre-test, they may repeat and practice the same deck of cards until they reach proficiency.

Repetition & Practice

Repetition is important in learning any concept but especially music. Students may repeat and practice the same deck of Boom cards multiple times. Often students are not motivated to repeat or practice a skill. But Boom Cards provide incentive to perform better in order to earn gems, coins, & lightening bolts.

Decks are often set to randomize presenting “tasks” in a different order so students cannot simply memorize the order of the cards. Boom cards allow  students to practice what they need to practice.

Differentiation

Teachers may assign specific decks to specific students or assign a sequence of decks for students to practice and master at their own pace.

Fast Finishers or Rewards

Boom Cards may be used as an incentive for students. Allow students who earn a reward to use Boom Cards. This is a great way to keep students engaged in learning while recognizing positive behaviors.

Print Cards

Although Boom Cards were designed to be used online, you can print and laminate cards and cut out a set of rhythm blocks for use as manipulatives in stations/centers. Cards may also be laminated and used with dry erase markers as well.

Note: When using cards with sound, you will still need one online device (ipad, chromebook, computer) to play the sound.

Facilitate Music Literacy by Using Boom Task Cards in Music Classes

Rhythm Block Builder – Rhythmic Dictation

Students listen, then drag & drop blocks to “build” the RHYTHM they hear. They can listen as many times as they want. In order to complete the card, they must keep working until they get the correct answer.

• Primer (Free) – Quarter note, quarter rest
• Set 1 – Quarter note, quarter rest, eighth notes
• Set 2 – Quarter note, quarter rest, eighth notes, half notes
• Set 3 – Quarter note, quarter rest, eighth notes, sixteenth notes
• Set 4 – Quarter note, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, eighth/2 sixteenth
• Set 5 – Quarter note, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, 2 sixteenth/eighth
• Set 6 – Quarter note, quarter rest, eighth notes, syncopation

Melody Builder Block – Melodic Dictation

Similar to the Rhythm Block Builder sets, students listen and then drag & drop blocks to “build” the MELODY they hear. Again, students can listen as many times as they want. Students must get the correct answer to complete the card.

• Melody Builder – So, Mi
• Melody Builder – So, La, Mi
• Melody Builder – Do, Re, Mi
• Melody Builder – Do, Re, Mi + So
• Melody Builder – Do, Mi, So
• Melody Builder – Do, Mi, So + La
• Melody Builder – Do, Re, Mi, So, La

Other Applications for Boom Task Cards in Music