Ready, Set, Spark!
Spark Reading Newsletter | September 2025
Everything You Need for a Smooth Back-to-School with Spark Reading – Plus a Fun Contest
Hello Spark teachers! We hope your summer was full of fun and rest. To help you settle into the new school year, the Spark team is sharing some quick tips, engaging student activities, and a chance to win cozy bean bags for your classroom. Welcome back!
Spark in 8 Minutes
Back-to-school is busy—we get it. That's why we're sharing this quick video packed with an overview of Spark, ideas you can use right away, and a peek at features you might not have discovered yet.
Whether you're new to Spark or need a refresher, this video is for you.
In just 8 minutes:
Get a complete overview of Spark
Pick up fresh ways to bring Spark into your lessons
Uncover popular features to support your literacy goals
Watch Now — and start the year strong with Spark.
Want to help students get to know Spark? Share our Spark Reading -Walkthrough video for students.
Reignite Student Engagement After Summer Break – with Help from Spark
The first weeks of school can feel like hitting the reset button—for both teachers and students. After a long summer, it's natural for learners to need a little help getting back into the rhythm of classroom life.
Here are a few ways to help students get back into the learning mood this fall using your Spark Digital Library:
Summer Recap with a Reading Twist
Ask students to pick one memorable summer moment (a camping trip, sports game, beach day, family visit, etc.).Then find a book in Spark with a related theme, setting, or character.
Early grades: draw their own version of the cover of the book and write a short sentence about it.
Upper grades: write a short story or journal entry blending their summer moment with elements from the Spark book.
Spark Scavenger Hunt
Create a simple list of prompts such as:
Find and read a book with a character who goes on a trip.
Find and read a nonfiction book about something you saw or did this summer.
Find and read a book set in the opposite of your summer location (e.g., snowy mountains vs. sunny beach).
Have students work in pairs or small groups to explore Spark's library using your clues. Once they find all the books, they can choose a favourite to read (or listen to) and then share a quick "book pitch" with the class.
Spark My Interest Wall
Dedicate a bulletin board to "books I can't wait to read this year."
Students browse Spark, find a book they're curious about, and draw their own version of the cover.
They write one sentence explaining why it caught their attention.
This builds excitement and a visible "to-be-read" list for the class.
Book Buddies Reboot
This activity is perfect for a book buddies meetup with an older or younger grade. Pair older and younger students (or stronger and developing readers) for a short, shared reading session with a Spark book.
Buddies can discuss what they liked about the book
Each pair can create a new title or alternate ending and share it with the class.
Here are a few school-focused books in Spark that are perfect for this activity.
This Is Me
(Reading Level B)
Who are you? Who is in your family? What do you like to do? Tell about yourself!
School Around the World
(Reading Level N)
You will find schools all around the world. How are they like your school? How are they different?
Getting Ready for School
(Reading Level L)
Addie and Eric are getting ready to start a new school year. Find out what makes their school different from any other.
Contest – Win a Set of Bean Bag Chairs!
Do you have a Spark story that could light up the teacher's lounge? If you've been using Spark for a while, we want to hear how it's helped you (and your students) shine.
Entering is easy. Just complete our super-short survey.
Prize: A set of 4 cozy bean bag chairs for your classroom, perfect for reading corners, small group work, and brain breaks.
Watch for us to share your questions and ideas in future newsletters so others can learn from them.
Help Your Teacher Friends Save 10% on Spark
Loving Spark Reading? Spread the word and help other teachers in your school save 10%! Just have them email sparkreadinghelp@pearson.com, mention your name, and they'll get 10% off a subscription. Share it with as many teachers in your school as you'd like. Offer ends Sept 30, 2025.
Here's a ready-to-send message you can copy into atext, email, or staff newsletter:
Hey there
I've been using Spark Reading with my class this year, and it's been such a win—great for interactive read-alouds, shared, guided, or independent reading.
If you want to try it, you can get 10% off. Just email sparkreadinghelp@pearson.comand mention my name as your referral.
Let me know if you want to see how I've been using it—it's super easy to roll out.
– [Your Name]
Happy teaching and reading!