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As a teacher for 13 years, I am constantly looking for new ways to switch things up in my math classroom. Not just for my students, but for me as well. About eight months ago, I was browsing Teachers Pay Teachers and I discovered an activity called Boom Cards. This activity interested me; it was exactly what I needed on adding and subtracting decimals. Because the activities are digital, I simply downloaded the activity, linked it on Google Classroom, and was ready for class.
What are Boom Cards?
Boom Learning’s website defines Boom Cards as “digital task cards that exist exclusively in the cloud.” Teachers can purchase individual decks or bundles or create them themselves. Boom Cards can have multiple features: drag ‘n drop, multiple choice, fill in the blank, and more!
My students loved the Boom Cards
From the first day my students and I used Boom Cards, we were hooked! When my students got to the part of the lesson where they needed the Boom Cards, I simply passed out one dry-erase mat for each student (you can find these here), and directed them to the link I posted on Google Classroom.
Students were automatically engaged in this process. They were excited to get an answer right, and seemed fine with erasing their work and starting over when they needed to. Better yet, I saw students going back and completing the Boom Card Deck AGAIN to get a better score. My mind was blown! At the end of the class, students were begging me for more!
Designing my own Boom Cards
I decided after that first interaction with Boom Cards that I wanted to create them myself. It sounded like a fun way to make something for my classroom and maybe even make a few dollars in the process. I realized after several tutorials and some failed attempts, that I actually enjoyed making these activities for students. It triggered that part of my brain that had died with my “Alias” fan site addiction in the early 2,000’s (please no judgment).
My Boom Cards
I decided to place start making Boom Card Decks for 5th grade. As of right now, I almost have an entire 5th grade curriculum bundle done! My goal is to have the bundle complete by the end of the summer (fingers crossed). If you would like to purchase my full curriculum at its current price, you can find it here. This price will go up as I add the remaining Boom Card Deck/units. You can lock in this price by purchasing now. By doing this, you will gain access to the full curriculum as it becomes available.
Not sure if you want to take the plunge on Boom Cards yet? Try my Freebies!
–5th Grade Decimal Place Value and Expanded Form
–5th Grade Volume Word Problems and Reasoning
Want to Sign Up For Boom Cards?
If you want to sign up for Boom Cards, here is my referral link. Get 10% off on your individual subscription with this link!!!!
(Disclaimer: I may earn a referral prize when you use my discount.)
7 ways to use Boom Cards in your classroom.
I currently use Boom Cards in a variety of ways in my classroom. Here are 7 ways you can use Boom Cards.
1.) Small group and whole group instruction – I have used these Boom Cards as the exact lesson my students go through to learn a new topic/skill. I also love bringing them up in tutoring situations or in my interventions groups.
2.) Homework/makeup work assignment – Students are still expected to complete the Boom Cards if they are absent. Since each deck is synced to Google Classroom, I can easily give and grade makeup work.
3.) Math centers/math stations – Any time I do stations, I like for at least 1-2 stations to include some form of technology. This makes planning and implementing stations so much easier.
4.) Review – I have used Boom Cards to review for quizzes and tests.
5.) RTI interventions – My school has an RTI intervention period. Boom Card decks work well in this type of setting, and I have found students are more engaged with this type of assignment.
6.) Independent practice – This is probably the number one way I use Boom Card decks. I especially love implementing them on days when my students for whatever reason are a little wound up and they need a breather on their own.
7.) Pre-requisite skill building – I believe in building on prior knowledge and Boom Cards are an easy way to quickly check student understanding of the previous year’s concepts.
I love using dry erase/graphic organizers with my Boom Cards. To me they are the perfect companion. To learn more about my dry erase organizer click on my post here.