Ready, Set, Spark
Spark Reading Newsletter | Nov 2022
This issue is packed with ideas for using Spark to support your literacy program. Below, you’ll find
- 24 new decodable titles from Bug Club
- Quick tips for finding books that promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
- Books to spark conversations about mental health
- A chance to win a set of bean bag chairs for your class
Find New Decodables and DEI in Spark!
We’re excited to share 24 new decodable books with you this month and show you exactly how to find DEI content for your classes!
New Bug Club Decodables Release 2 Pack
The new Bug Club release 2 pack has two dozen decodable books designed for consolidating skills after you’ve taught basic phenomes. This second release has adapted all British content for Canadian classrooms.
Finding the books is easy. Click the Decodable Books filter and select which of the 28 sets you want to search.
Tip: For a complete PDF list of all the new decodables added in our November release—as well as all of our current and upcoming Bug Club decodable titles—click the info button next to the Decodable Books filter)
Feature Highlight!
Find DEI Content in Spark
As our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts continue, here are tips to help you find DEI books in Spark using the Search bar and Filters.
1. Using the Search Bar
Finding DEI-specific books is as easy as adding search terms like “diversity,” “inclusion,” or “DEI” to the search bar.
2. Using the Filters
With Spark’s filters, you can narrow your search and find DEI books that are just right for your students. Choose to search by one filter or select a few filters to find books by Topic, Reading Level, Subject Area, or the Comprehension level associated with a book’s interactive activities.
Tip: Want to learn more about how to bring DEI into your classroom? Get tips and advice from DEI consultant Elaine Su in this short but informative article.
Check Reading Progress Quickly
With Spark’s filters, you can narrow your search and find DEI books that are just right for your students. Choose to search by one filter or select a few filters to find books by Topic, Reading Level, Subject Area, or the Comprehension level associated with a book’s interactive activities.
Under the “Students” tab on Spark’s homepage, you’ll find a dashboard filled with helpful (and easy-to-navigate) analytics. Look at your whole class or drill down to see data for individual students that includes:
- how many books students have read,
- if there are unread books in their Bookbox,
- results of any interactive activities they completed.
With a little data at your fingertips, you can check engagement, set reading goals for individual students or your entire class, and even learn a little more about your students’ interests.
BOOK SPOTLIGHT
It’s always a good time of year for books that help integrate mental health literacy into your classes. All of the books below are from our Well Aware series for grades 4-8. You can find the entire series by typing “Well Aware” in the search bar (then use Spark’s filters to find books in the series that are just right for your students or lessons). Here are a few class favourites.
Win a set of beanbag chairs!
Tell us your favourite way to use Spark for a chance to win one of 50 sets of 4 bean bag chairs for your class. Enter the contest here!