Introducing… SPARX Reader!

As you will be aware, our English homework has moved to SPARX Reader as of this half term. SPARX Reader is a digital platform which provides your child with a selection of appropriately challenging texts for their reading ability. Students are then asked to choose the text they prefer and read a portion of the text. The platform creates the opportunity for meaningful, independent reading every week, which is vital for building reading stamina, improving literacy skills, and promoting perseverance.

Why have we moved to SPARX Reader?

It’s really important that young people are able to practise careful, silent reading for a decent amount of time, without distraction. Sparx Reader reassures teachers and parents that focused reading is happening, and that readers of all abilities feel successful and motivated. Careful readers earn points, meaning they can prove they’ve been focusing and ultimately climb the league table! Once students have answered the questions correctly, they will then earn some Sparx Reader Points (SRP), which count towards their homework task.

What has been the impact of SPARX Reader so far?

• 3,045,982 words read by your students
• 456 hours of careful reading completed by your students.
• 278 books completed by your students
• 292 pupils have completed their SPARX Reader points for three weeks in a row!

How can I support my child with their reading?

• Sparx Reader adapts to each student’s reading level, so it’s important that you don’t help by answering questions for them. If you help them, Sparx Reader might think they’re a very strong reader and show them books that are too difficult. 
• You can help by providing a quiet space for your child to focus on their reading homework each week and encourage them to read carefully.
• If your child doesn’t like a book, encourage them to keep trying! If they still don’t get on with it, they can give the book a low rating and they’ll be able to swap to another book.
• The best way to support your child is to ask them about the book they’re reading; what aspects they’re enjoying, or what characters and events they’ve recently read about.
• You are able to see how your child is getting on with their reading using the link to the Parent Portal, available in your weekly Sparx Maths homework emails.  When clicking through the link, you will be able to keep track of any Sparx system that your child uses.  Here you can keep track of previous homeworks as well as the book your child is currently reading.