This article explains how to effectively onboard students and how they experience Sparx Reader, including key features that support their learning journey. Understanding the student perspective will help you better support your student's success with Sparx Reader.
We’ve recently removed the need for students to complete the Sparx Reading Test as part of their onboarding. Whilst we recommend that you set a reading test before students start their reading, this isn't compulsory.
Logging in
Logging in
To log into Sparx Reader, students should:
Choose their school
Log in using their school Microsoft or Google account (see Logging in with a Google/Microsoft account)
If students use multiple Sparx products, they will also be able to switch between their Sparx sites using the menu:
Student onboarding
Student onboarding
We recommend that you introduce Sparx Reader to students in a lesson, preferably in an ICT suite or a room that has devices.
When students first log into Sparx Reader, they will see these onboarding steps:
Introductory questions
Introductory questions
Students will be asked to complete a couple of short questions about their current reading habits. It's important that the students answer these questions honestly as it helps us to understand the student's reading confidence and track any improvements they make within Sparx Reader.
The Sparx Reader training book
The Sparx Reader training book
Next, students will be asked to read the Sparx Reader training book, which introduces students to how Sparx Reader works.
This should take under 10 minutes to complete, and students will be awarded around 100 SRP for this reading.
Choosing a first book
Choosing a first book
Once the student has completed the questions and training book, they will be given a choice of four books.
If students were not set the Sparx Reading Test during their onboarding, these will be chosen using the student's age, their answers to the onboarding questions, and their performance on the training book
If students completed a Sparx Reading test, the books will be chosen using the student's assessed reading age
As students begin to read, we learn more about their reading level and update their next book choice. We normally find a good level for most students within a few weeks of their first homework. Of course, this depends on how much reading they’re doing and how seriously they’re engaging with homework.
Optional: set a Sparx Reading Test
Optional: set a Sparx Reading Test
If students have a live reading test available when they first log in, they will see the test instead of the onboarding steps.
See Setting the Sparx Reading Test for guidance on setting the SRT.
Resources for introducing Sparx Reader to your students
Resources for introducing Sparx Reader to your students
Student Demo
Teachers have access to a student demo to experience Sparx Reader as a student. You can use this feature to demonstrate the reading experience, and model careful reading techniques, to new students.
You can find the student demo through the More menu in the sidebar.
Student intro video
If you like, you can also show students this short (<4 mins) video explaining the core concepts of Sparx Reader:
Frequently asked questions
I have set an SRT in error, and I don't want students to have to complete it, what do I do?
I have set an SRT in error, and I don't want students to have to complete it, what do I do?
You can cancel an active SRT by following these steps:
Go to 'More' → 'Reading Test'
Select your class
Go to the 'Active reading test' tab
Select all students
Click 'Edit selected tests'
Cancel the tests
Students will then be able to continue with their onboarding and select their first book without completing the test.
How can I monitor which students have completed the onboarding?
How can I monitor which students have completed the onboarding?
Go to 'More' → 'Student Manager' to see which students still need to complete their onboarding steps. Check the 'Account status' column for:
Pending setup - The student has not yet logged into Reader
In progress - The student has logged in but has not yet completed the onboarding steps so cannot yet start reading
Account set up - The student has completed the onboarding steps and is ready to start reading