Watch this video to review the most common ways teachers use eSpark with their students. Then, read the article below for more details!
Usage Recommendations
We recommend that students use eSpark for about 1 hour per subject, per week. This could be in 15, 20, or 30 minute blocks, depending on what works best for your students. Shorter, more frequent sessions are great for younger students, and longer, less frequent sessions are great for older students. A best practice would be to establish a consistent routine so your class is comfortable with when and how they will be using eSpark.
Implementation Models
The most common ways teachers use eSpark in the classroom are for small groups or center rotations, whole class or split class instruction, and independent work time for both in the classroom and at home. Let’s dive deeper into each of these options!
Small Groups / Center Rotations
For small group rotations or center time, eSpark is a great addition because you can trust that students will be able to work independently at a level that’s right for them. eSpark always provides direct instruction and a variety of interactive practice activities that will keep them engaged. We often see teachers have eSpark as a dedicated center - while some students are working on eSpark independently, you can pull a small group of your own for any additional support they need. Consider posting a schedule in your classroom to help students rotate through your centers.
Whole Class / Split Class
eSpark also fits well in a whole class or split class model. For example, with our Small Group Skills feature, you can assign lessons to students that are aligned with what you are teaching in class that day. If you have a limited number of devices, you can have some students work on their Small Group Skills lesson, while the remaining students get the lesson directly from you. Then, you can switch! Just like our adaptive pathway Quests, Small Group Skills lessons directly teach a standard, provide practice activities, and feature a quick assessment, so Small Group Skills can be your full lesson plan!
Independent Work
eSpark can also be used for independent work, both in the classroom and at home. With our individual student reports and email alerts, assignable lessons, and the ability to adjust student levels, you can quickly catch students who may benefit from Tier 2 and Tier 3 intervention and differentiate for them. We also see eSpark utilized as a free choice activity for early finishers, a resource for transition time between periods or lessons, or for morning work while students are settling in for the day.
Students can also work on any eSpark activity from home, for homework or virtual learning. You can track student progress at home from your teacher dashboard reports just like you would in the classroom. You may want to consider turning our student video recording feature on, so you can get a full look at what your students are working on independently at home!
The most important thing about implementation is that eSpark can be used in a wide variety of ways and is flexible to meet your needs.