How To Use BOOM Cards™ in Speech Therapy

Recently, my amazing friend Belinda from BVG SLP introduced me to BOOM Cards™ and Boom Learning℠. Since then, my world has been transformed! We all know what "task cards" are, correct? Teachers use them in their classrooms every day. Well, consider this possibility: DIGITAL task cards, that can be accessed from iPads, laptops, Chromebooks or smart phones, that are self-grading, and data tracking?! THIS, my friends, perfectly describes BOOM Cards™.

So, "how would I use them in speech therapy?", you might ask. BOOM Cards™ will completely change the way you DO flashcards. They will help you with mixed groups and RTI Tiered Intervention. They require ZERO preparation and ZERO printing. NO laminating, gluing, cutting, assorting on O-rings. Nada. Nothing. Completely EASY-peasy. And kids LOVE technology. So Boom™ Cards quickly become a win-win-WIN.

How do BOOM Card™s work?

First, you must click HERE to open a FREE Boom Learning℠ account. This will give you and your students access to any set of flashcards/card decks that you purchase. You can access those cards from any digital device, including your smart phone. If you would like to be able to track student data, choose the "starter" membership instead of the "basic".

Next, you will be prompted to create a profile and a "class". Until you actually have students that will be using these cards, you can leave this blank for now.

Now, check out the Marketplace, or search on TPT (use the word "Boom Cards" in the search bar). There are hundreds and hundreds of Boom Cards™ for sale! Once you find the cards you want, you purchase them, and they become available immediately in your "library" for use. Note: If you purchase the cards on TPT, your seller will provide you will a "code" in the downloadable pdf. With that code, you will gain access to your cards once you are logged in to your Boom Learning℠ Account.

So, you've started therapy, and you'd like your student to use the cards you've downloaded quietly at your desk, while you work with another small group at the table. Go in to your "classes", and choose the icon for "add 1 student". Enter that student's name to add him or her to your "class". Your student will be assigned a unique log in name and password. WRITE that down! :-) Click "assign" to assign the deck you have purchased to that student.

When your student comes to therapy, he or she will use ANY digital device to log in, using that unique name and password that you wrote down (not yours!), from the Boom Learning℠ home page or app. (Hint: If you are using the same computer as your student, make sure you are logged out completely FIRST).

Once inside your student's account, you will see that the student account looks different than yours. Your student will see the cards that have been assigned, and will be able to begin using them. Each card "self-grades", allowing the student to continue to try the target over and over again, until successful. Once the set has been completed, you will be able to see the accuracy of completion under the "classes" tab on your account. Simply click on the class name you have created. Then choose your student's name. You will be able to view all of the decks that have been completed and their accuracy for easy reporting.

Yes- you can assign this login information to PARENTS and TEACHERS! Your student can access this account from anywhere with this log in information. You can assign cards for homework, or maybe even for RTI intervention groups. Their use doesn't have to be limited for just your therapy room.

The versatility of BOOM Cards™ is simply limitless. If you are the creative type, you can purchase the "ultimate" membership to create your own set of card decks for your students. They also become available for student use as soon as you publish them. You have the option to publish them privately OR for sale in the Marketplace.

If you are a speech teletherapist, Boom Cards™ are a GREAT online resource for your students as well! Simply follow the steps above. Depending on your platform, these digital task cards become a great, interactive option from your therapy tool box.

Boom Learning℠ has a great support system if you need help. They have a Facebook group, Pinterest boards, and an amazing FAQ page. Navigating the Boom Learning℠ site is easy- it's very user friendly and easy to access.

Looking for Boom Cards™ to get started? Check out my products in the Boom Learning℠ Store! You can also purchase them through Teachers Pay Teachers if you prefer. My inventory is quickly growing, so check back often! I even have a FREE deck so you can try them out!

To read another great blog about Boom Cards™, and how they are used in therapy, check out Belinda's review! She also has created some terrific resources for SLP's.

Go get started and create that FREE Boom Learning account TODAY! You will be so happy that you did. Check out this video to get started!

***January 1, 2018 Boom Learning update: "With your Teachers Pay Teachers purchase, users new to Boom Learning get a three-month free trial of student progress reporting for up to 150 students. Your trial includes the ability to make up to 5 free DIY decks. You may upgrade or cancel at any time. Boom Cards play on modern browsers (released in the last three years) on interactive whiteboards, computers and tablets. Boom Cards apps are also available. Not sure if your browser is modern enough? Try a free Boom Cards deck first. When you redeem your purchase, Boom Learning opens an account for you if you do not already have one. If you do not subscribe at the end of your trial, you will be able to continue using Boom Cards with the Fast Play feature. Fast Play does not track individual progress. If you do not subscribe we will delete your student records 3 months after the expiration of the trial to protect student privacy."

Note: The Whimsical Word, Inc. is not affiliated with Boom Learning℠ in any way. Boom Learning℠ and Boom Cards™ are the trademarks of Boom Learning Inc. Used with permission.