There are many ways to use Boom Cards in music classes. But, if you are not sure what Boom Task Cards are, first, check out this post to see a deck of Boom Cards in action.
In order to use Boom Cards, you must first Create a FREE TEACHER ACCOUNT. Both free & paid accounts are available. I recommend that music teachers create FREE accounts because we typically have large numbers of students. If you do decide to create an account, consider using my referral code. I would greatly appreciate it.
Now, let’s talk about different 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 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 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.
I hope you like Boom Cards as much as I do. How can you use Boom Cards in your music classes? Check them out.
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