by Marianna Monheim Updated 3/22/24
A Comprehension Game-Changer for Upper Elementary
Have you explored using Boom Cards with your upper elementary students? These interactive, self-checking flash cards were all the rage during virtual learning, but don’t overlook their impact in the classroom now! These cards are a fun, simple way to engage your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade learners.
In this post we’ll go over how to use Boom Cards and why they’re such a great tool for upper elementary reading comprehension.
You can see all my Boom Card decks at my Boom Learning storefront.
Table of Contents
What Are Boom Cards?
In case you aren’t familiar with the Boom Learning platform, it’s a marketplace (similar to TPT…in fact, you can buy some Boom decks on TPT!) filled with what can best be described as digital flash cards- with an interactive element.
Students enjoy Boom Cards because the interactive component makes each deck feel like a game- they get a serotonin boost each time they click and get an answer correct! In addition, many Boom decks are randomized, which means either the cards or the answer choices shuffle after each play. Therefore, each deck can be played many times without getting boring!
Boom Cards for Reading Comprehension
While Boom cards are amazing for things like multiplication fact practice, there are decks covering any skill or strategy you can think of, for learners of all age groups and abilities. I have recently discovered that Boom cards are a fantastic way to get students to practice reading comprehension! Here’s just a few reasons why I’m adding comprehension decks to my Boom store:
It’s An Engaging Way to Practice Finding Right There Questions
Do you really think Michael Jordan “needed” to go to basketball practice at the height of his career? Probably not, but one thing we can learn from athletes is the value of repetitive practice. Give students the chance to build (brain) muscle memory by reading short passages and answering those DOK Level 1 questions as much as possible.
That way, when it’s time for the “big game” (your standardized test), students won’t be fooled by misleading answer choices, and have ample practice going back to the text to search for answers!
Boom Cards are No Prep
One of the best things about these activities is they take 0% of your energy to assign. You can easily assign decks in any learning management system, or give your students a “Fast Play” link to copy and paste into their web browser. Sit back and watch your kiddos get meaningful practice with comprehension with the click of a button!
If necessary, you can also make some changes to decks – for example, assigning less cards to students. It’s easy to make Boom cards the perfect fit for each learner!
(By the way, if you are totally new to Boom Learning you can receive a free trial subscription the first time you sign up. Please know that I may receive a referral prize if you use this link to sign up)
Comprehension Doesn’t Have to = Long and Boring Practice
We’ve all been there. At a certain point of test prep, both teacher and students are OVER the long selections on topics that aren’t interesting. Boom Cards can provide a great break from boring test prep, while still being helpful!
Done for You Reading Comprehension Boom Cards
Interested in adding Boom cards to your teacher toolbox? See my current selection of decks available only on Boom Learning here:
Want to learn more about Boom Cards? Email me at marianna@creativelycomprehensive.com and we can chat!
