As most of the world has made the switch to digital learning due to the pandemic, our role as the school counselor is evolving. Sure, we could probably get by without doing too much as we sit under our “not quite a specialist, not quite a teacher” umbrella, but now is the time that our kids need us more than ever. And a great opportunity to advocate for your position by showing how vital it is to student success!
But then there’s the reality…
Leading counseling sessions online is hard! I’ve only been doing it for about a week and it is more difficult and less rewarding than leading traditional small groups and individual sessions. But it has to be done. For my complete guide on counseling during distance learning, read this blog post.
So what does this have to do with Boom Cards?
I recently discovered Boom Cards and they have saved my virtual counseling sessions! I needed a way to replace those engaging activities I do with students at school such as discussion dice and board games. If you have a document camera at home or a lot of printed out materials you can show on your screen than you have more options, but I have a feeling you might be like me and literally have just a computer! Boom Cards are engaging, interactive, and a lot of fun!
What does it look like in action?
Group Counseling
I meet with my students via Zoom so after we do our typical group procedures, group rules and feelings check, I share my screen with them to play Boom Cards together. I flip through the slides and they tell me which answer to select. The kids love it!
Individual Counseling
For individual students, you can do the same thing or you can send them the activity in advance and have them share their screen with you so you can watch them play the Boom Cards and provide feedback.
SEL Guidance Lessons
Perhaps you are live streaming or pre-recording class lessons. If so, you are a rockstar! I am not, but I am sending out videos and optional SEL activities for students to do each week. Almost every week I send out a link to Boom Cards. It’s simple, easy, and fun!
Comments
6 responses to “How to Use Boom Cards in School Counseling”
-
Would if you have students who don’t use google classroom? Can you still use boom cards with them?
-
Hi Kate, YES!! You do not need Google Classroom for Boom Cards you can just send students the link or assign it on whatever platform you and your students use.
-
-
Do students need to have a Boom Cards account to access anything I share with them?
-
Hi Ann, thank you for reaching out via email. I hope your students love the activities! Just in case someone else has the same question…. No your students do not need a Boom Account if you use the Fast Play link. The only downside is you will not receive a copy of their answers.
-
-
I am new to boom cards. As a counselor with a google classroom, I post weekly but want this as a resource for my students into the future – all school year at least.
Can I link the boom card deck so that it is accessible to a student indefinitely?Thank you
-
Hi Debbie!
Yes, you can. But I believe you would need to have the paid subscription for this feature. This resource may help. https://help.boomlearning.com/en/support/solutions/articles/16000114570-assigning-boom-cards-in-google-classroom
-
Leave a Reply