Help and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

 

1.  Is this program researched based?

Reading Sparkers is highly researched.  Here are some studies that support our teaching methodology: 

  • “Games provide children with shared activities and goals.” ( David Fernie, 1988)
  • “Games with rules are the most prominent form of play during middle childhood.” (Piaget, 1962)
  • “…games can be intellectually motivating parts of pre and primary school curriculum.” (Kamii and DeVries, 1980)  (Kamii, 1985)
  • “Young people are likely to pursue a goal only if they find it interesting.” (Tudge and Curuso, 1989)
  • “….Research indicates that (phonemic awareness) is the best predictor of the ease of early reading acquisition." (Stanovich, 1993-94)
  • “Phonemic awareness is both a prerequisite for and a consequence of learning to read.” (Yopp, 1992)
  • When it comes to teaching phonemic awareness, “….Keep a sense of playfulness and fun.  Avoid drill and rote memorization.” (Spector, 1995)
  • “The research is clear and substantial and the evidence is unequivocal: students who enter first grade with a wealth of phonological awareness are more successful readers than those who do not.” (Fitzsimmons, 1998)
  • “The most important skill in early reading is the ability to read single words completely, accurately, and fluently.” (Thomas B. Fordham Foundation, 2000)
  • “All children need explicit, systematic instruction in phonics….” (Moats, 2000)
  • “While the use of computer technology in reading is still in its infancy, the few studies reported in the literature suggest that this may be a powerful way of increasing vocabulary.” (Report of the National Reading Panel, 2000)
  • “Playful and appealing activities that focus on the sound structure of language support literacy development.” (Yopp and Yopp, 2000)

 

 

2.  How many games are there in Reading Sparkers Online (RSO)?

There are 48 Reading Sparkers games online, which correlate by unit and phonic skill with the printed version of Reading Sparkers 48 Phonic Gameboards.  In RSO, however, many of the 48 units are subdivided into Sections which increases the number of actual games played by the student. 

 

3.  What grades are they used in?

The scope and sequence of skills of RSO is meant to coincide with those skills most often found in grades one, two, and three.  However, this does not mean that the games can only be used by first, second, and third graders.  In the event of special education students, or those children considered remedial, these games can be used confidently up to grades five or six.  The highly motivating nature of the games online allows students who are older to still be motivated to learn.  On the other hand, students who may be reading ahead of the others, or who may be classified as gifted, may start the games at a much earlier age than would be typically associated with first grade.  Kindergarten and Pre-School students who have already made strides in reading may start Unit 1 of RSO once they have mastered the sounds and symbols of the alphabet, and are able to identify consonants in both initial and final positions.

 

4.  Can I change the order of the games?

A pre and post phonic assessment test is provided with RSO for teachers who would like to follow the recommended scope and sequence of Reading Sparkers.  However, we recognize that some teachers may need to follow the district, basal, or state scope and sequence of skills.  Therefore, the teacher may simply adjust the scope and sequence accordingly.

 

5.  How do I determine my student’s strengths and weaknesses?

RSO provides a Pre and Post Phonic Assessment Test which can be taken online by each individual student.  Test results will indicate the student’s phonic strengths and deficiencies, and indicate an individualized program for that student. Upon completion of the program, the teacher may administer the Post Phonic Assessment Test to determine the degree of success by the student. 

 

6.  What if I have a technical problem?

In the past, when programs were run from CD-Roms, the solving of technical problems could be a long and tedious process.  Now, with RSO, our web-based programs can be solved with a phone call to one of our technology consultants, or solved right online by clicking on our NEED HELP button. We will have you back up and running in no time!

 

7.  Is Reading Sparkers Online easy to use?

We have developed RSO to be as easy as possible to use.  Students who can use a mouse and are even remotely familiar with video type games, can play RSO without a problem.  The difficulty of the game tasks are directly correlated to the ability level of the student.  Once the students ability has been assessed through our phonic assessment test, students should be able to proceed at a non-frustrational level.

 

 

8. Can the student use this independently?

Absolutely!  By structuring the educational play for the student in the administrative part of the program, the students may only proceed to the skill units specified by the teacher.  Therefore, the student can work independently without the fear that he or she will jump ahead of the planned scope and sequence.

 

 

 9.  Are there printed materials that accompany RSO?

There are many printed materials which accompany RSO.  They correlate precisely with the online version but also delve into the area of comprehension development. You can check out our printed materials at readingsparkers.com, our company web site.  Essentially, you can get gameboards for group or individual work, decodable texts (soft-cover readers), comprehension activity pads (blackline masters), and teacher guides.

 

 

10.  Can I speak to a Reading Consultant?

You can always speak to a Reading Consultant.  Just call our toll free number and request a consult.  We will talk with you then or will have our Reading Consultant get back to you as soon as possible.  We will answer any question you might have related to Reading Sparkers, RSO, or reading in general. 

 

 

11.  Can I use original printed Reading Sparkers 48 Phonic Gameboards without buying RSO?

Yes you can, and vice versa.  You can use RSO without using the printed versions.  What works best?  It is up to you, but we highly recommend using both the web-based version (RSO) for individualized instruction and then the printed version for cooperative learning or Literacy Stations in the classroom.  The printed versions can also be used on an individualized basis.  The greatest success has been reported by using a combination of the two systems (online and hard copy in the class room).

 

12.  How does your program help my students to read?

It motivates students to read through both technology and a game method of instruction.  It utilizes a highly researched methodology, which places phonics first.  It enables students to decode the most important words in grades one, two, and three, thereby preparing them for reading fluency and comprehension at the upper elementary levels.

 

13.  How will I track or measure my students reading progress?

An administrative component built into the RSO system helps you track and measure your students’ reading progress.  This is one of the highlights of RSO and one that is rarely found among other web-based programs.

 

14.  How is the Reading Sparkers Online different from the printed version of Reading Sparkers 48 Phonic Gameboards?

The obvious difference is that RSO is web-based instruction, whereas the 48 Phonic Gameboards is a printed or hard copy set of materials. The games are essentially the same, except that the RSO program is meant to be used by individual students whereas the printed version can be used in small groups or learning centers.  The scope and sequence of skills are the same and are coordinated by a unit method.

 

15.  How can I be sure that RSO is for me?

Just try out our DEMO program.  It’s free and it will give you an excellent feel for the nature of the program.