Ready, Set, Spark!
Spark Reading Newsletter | May 2025
Hello Spark Teachers!
Spring is a busy time in the classroom, so if you're looking for quick, practical ways to keep students engaged, Spark has you covered. In this issue, find ready-to-use ideas to help keep the momentum going as you head into the final stretch of the school year.
Need New Ideas for Your Classroom?
Are you looking for some new ways to use Spark? This quick video is full of classroom-ready ideas and a fresh look at Spark Reading features. These tips will help you get even more out of Spark—whether you teach early years or middle grades.
See how you can:
- Build and share Text Sets based on curriculum topics or themes
- Search for books by reading strategy (e.g., Summarizing)
- Model effective reading habits during whole-class lessons
- Use decodable texts to support early literacy
- Help students boost fluency by recording and listening to themselves read
- Track student progress over time with built-in tools
Plus, explore features you might not be using yet:
- 900+ titles in English and French
- 131 decodable books
- Real voice audio recordings
- 2-3 interactive activities in selected books
- Teaching Notes to support your planning
Watch the video today for a quick refresher that can save you time and spark new ideas right when you need them most.
Science Meets Literacy in Spark
Did you know Spark offers science-themed books that support cross-curricular learning? Whether you're teaching ecosystems or energy, you can build science knowledge while reinforcing key literacy skills. It's an easy way to double up on impact, without doubling your planning time.
Here are a few books to help you get started:
Earth and Moon by Torrey Maloof
Earth and Moon are constantly on the move. Does that matter to people? Yes!
(Guided Reading K)
Hand to Earth: Saving the Environment by Jessica Cohn
Would you like to help solve the problems our planet faces? Begin by understanding them.
(Guided Reading T)
A Frog’s Life by Dona Herweck Rice
A frog's life starts as an egg in a pond. What happens when the egg hatches?
(Guided Reading G)
Shine Bright This May with Spark!
May is National Sun Awareness Month—a perfect opportunity to illuminate your classroom with engaging, sun-themed learning.
Find classroom activities for grades K-8 that focus on sun safety on Pearson Canada's Special Days Page.
Then, explore these Spark titles to bring the sunshine indoors:
These selections align with National Sun Awareness Month and help students gear up for summer with knowledge and excitement.
The Solar System by Kenneth Walsh
Earth is not alone in space. Here's a chance to meet the neighbours -- planets, moons, asteroids, and more!
(Guided Reading O)
Our Sun by William B. Rice
How does the sun affect your daily life?
(Guided Reading G)
Here Comes the Sun by Dona Herweck Rice
Try to think of all the ways the sun helps us. Read to find out more!
(Guided Reading A)
Under the Leaf by Jill Eggleton
The animals find shade under the leaf, but there's a troublemaker in the crowd.
(Guided Reading D)
Help Your Teacher Friends Save 10% on Spark
Loving Spark Reading? Spread the word and you get 10% off for you and a fellow teacher who signs up! Email sparkreadinghelp@pearson.com, for details on how to claim your discount. Share it with as many teachers in your school as you'd like. Offer ends Sept 30, 2025.
Thanks for reading, and happy teaching!
The Spark Team