Parents and carers play a crucial role in supporting their children's reading development. This article explains why we engage parents with Sparx Reader and provides guidance on how to effectively communicate with and support parents.
Why we engage parents
Why we engage parents
Parental engagement significantly impacts homework completion rates and helps reduce teacher workload. When parents understand and support Sparx Reader:
Students are more likely to complete their reading homework regularly
Parents can provide appropriate support and encouragement at home
Teachers receive fewer queries as parents better understand the system
Students benefit from a supportive reading environment both at school and home
How we communicate with parents
How we communicate with parents
Welcome email
Welcome email
Once students have chosen their first book from the library, parents automatically receive a welcome email that:
Provides an overview of Sparx Reader
Explains how to access the parent portal
Outlines the homework completion data they'll receive weekly
Weekly email
Weekly email
Parents and carers receive a single weekly email from Sparx with information about the Sparx system(s) their child uses. This email is sent 3 days before the Sparx Maths completion day.
Reader-Only schools' weekly emails are sent on a Wednesday.
Parents can click the link in the email to access Parent Portal which has more detailed information about the homework.
Book completion email
Book completion email
Each time their child completes an e-book on Sparx Reader, we email their parents or carers a celebratory email. This shows them some information about the book, including how many points they've earned, and suggesting some questions to try and prompt some discussion about their reading. There is also a button to 'see more of X's progress on Parent Portal'.
How you can engage parents effectively
How you can engage parents effectively
Initial communication
Initial communication
Send clear information at the start of using Sparx Reader:
Explain why reading homework is important
Highlight how Sparx Reader personalises books to their child's level
Emphasise the positive impact on learning outcomes
Direct parents to our dedicated webpage - A parent's guide to Sparx Reader
Face-to-face engagement
Face-to-face engagement
Organise information sessions:
Run an assembly, parents evening or Year 6 transition event
Set up information stands at school events to showcase the impact of Sparx Reader on student outcomes
Use our prepared presentation slides to support these sessions
Regular updates and recognition
Regular updates and recognition
Create a rewards system that involves parents and encourages them to support their child in completing their homework.
Share information such as:
School newsletters featuring Sparx Reader updates
Social media posts celebrating reading achievements
Phone calls home for good performance
Recognition of student success in school communications
Award certificates
Supporting parents
Supporting parents
Provide clear guidance to help parents understand:
What support is available in school (homework clubs, library access)
How books are personalized to their child's reading level
That students can swap books if they're struggling
Reading can be completed in multiple sessions
Address common concerns by being proacitve in explaining:
Screen time considerations and benefits
Why questions appear during reading
How accessibility features can help
Where to get support for technical issues
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn on parent emails?
How do I turn on parent emails?
Please visit our article on Adding parent emails for more information.
How can parents access homework information?
How can parents access homework information?
Parents can click the link in their weekly email to access the parent portal. Each link is unique and expires after 21 days.
What should parents do if they don't receive emails?
What should parents do if they don't receive emails?
Ask them to check their spam folder first. If emails aren't arriving, they should contact the school to verify their email address is correctly recorded in the school system.
How can parents best support their child's reading?
How can parents best support their child's reading?
We recommend parents:
Provide a quiet space for reading
Show interest in their child's books
Discuss their reading regularly
Celebrate their achievements
Encourage regular completion of homework
Do parents need to monitor their child's reading?
Do parents need to monitor their child's reading?
While parents can track progress through the portal, teachers monitor reading completion and accuracy. Parents should focus on encouraging regular reading habits and maintaining a supportive environment.
Do you send a book completion email for Gold Reader books?
Do you send a book completion email for Gold Reader books?
No, we don't currently send this for Gold Reader books.