Ways to Use Boom Cards in 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. I do NOT recommend this option if you have large numbers of students as I have always had.

I recommend using the FastPlay Link option. To have a record of student scores, consider creating a simple score sheet for students to fill out and turn in their scores. Or, you can have students take a screenshot of their score at the end of the activity. Then, they can submit that screenshot to “turn in” their assignment. Whatever method you choose, be sure and teach students your process.

Use Boom Cards With Entire Class | Question/All Write

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

If you are using the Rhythm Dictation Boom Cards as a class lesson, you may want to download this FREE Printable Rhythm Block Template for students to write their answers.

If you are using Melody Dictation Sets, you may want to download this FREE Printable and Digital Treble Clef Staff to use with simple manipulatives. The staff is perfectly size for use with pennies or small BINGO chips as notes. You may 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 Cards in Music Classes

There are many different ways of using Boom Cards in elementary music. Boom learning goes beyond just FUN. They provide REAL learning activities. You might be a bit, or more than a bit, skeptical that an online game that kids enjoy playing can actually facilitate music literacy. I was until I really learned what Boom Cards can do.

Check out the Music Dictation Series below.

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 (FREE)
• 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

Melodic Dictation Block are also available in the Key of F and the Key of G. These sequential series are especially helpful for young students who are not ready to read notes below the staff.

Other Applications for Boom Cards in Music

Another application for Boom Cards in music classes is learning note names.  There are currently several different Treble Clef Sets and Bass Clef Sets available as well as an extensive Ear Training Series.

One of my favorite things about Boom cards is that you can preview or sample the first four cards in each set so you really know how they work and what you are getting.

You may purchase Boom Cards through TpT or directly from BoomLearning.com. And, the first deck in each set is FREE, so what are you waiting for.

Need Help Getting Started?

The post below includes short video tutorials which will walk you through the process of getting started. Need professional development hours. It also includes a link where you can earn FREE professional development hours.

Develop Students’ Music Reading Skills with Boom Cards

If you need additional help, you may contact me through the form on my website.

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