Using BOOM CARDS™ during distance learning helped keep students engaged during virtual therapy services; however, you may find yourself asking the question, “I made the invest in BOOM CARDS™, but will I be able to continue using them when we return to in-person instruction?” Even with the uncertainty of what therapy services will look like in the fall, I want to assure you that you will still be able to use BOOM CARDS™ during direct, face-to-face teaching. Here are 3 ways you can continue to use BOOM CARDS™ in speech therapy.
Use BOOM CARDS™ in Mixed Groups or Center Rotations:
Managing mixed groups with multiple goals can be challenging. BOOM CARDS™ allows Student A to practice a skill while you instruct/drill Student B. Several of my BOOM CARD™ resources also have a printable PDF versions. By having a digital and printable copy of the resource, you are able to structure your lesson to best meet the needs of your students. If you do center rotations in your speech room, you can have a BOOM CARDS™ station. With the self-grading feature in BOOM CARDS™, you can collect data without directly engaging with the student. This will allow students to apply their knowledge after to teach the lesson.
Assign BOOM CARDS™ for Home-Practice:
BOOM CARDS™ are perfect for students to complete at home for carry-over practice. Several decks have a “text-to-speech” feature allowing students to complete them independently.
You can assign BOOM CARDS™ to students through various online platforms including Google Classroom and Seesaw. There are 2 links that you can use when assigning the cards to your students, “Fast Pin” and “Hyperplay Link.”
Fast Pin– This link will allow students to play immediately and does NOT require a login. This link does not report student data. Also, the link expires after 14 days for paid accounts.
Hyperplay Link- This will REQUIRE students to login; however, you will have access to the results or data from your students’ performance. This link with not expire.
Print the BOOM CARDS™:
While this is not their intended use, you can print BOOM CARDS™ to create hands-on task cards for your students. You can laminate the cards and use them with a dry erase marker. I store my printed BOOM CARDS™ in 4×6 photo cases with the dry erase marker and facial pad (makes a great eraser). Printed BOOM CARDS™ also provides a benefit if you only have one device and multiple students working on the same skill. One student can use the digital version of the deck, while the other student(s) use the printed task cards.
I hope these tips help you see the value in BOOM CARDS™ in speech therapy even when we resume face-to-face therapy services. If you are new to BOOM CARDS™, you can check out this post. Looking to try BOOM CARDS™ for FREE? Click here!
