Sparking Engagement: How to Use IXL Spark Studio for Easy Classroom Review

As the Digital Learning Specialist for Middleton Schools, I’m always on the lookout for tools that make our teachers' lives easier while keeping our students excited about learning. We have used the program IXL for its skill-building power for many years, but IXL Spark Studio is a new feature that we are now exploring.

IXL Spark Studio is a great way to turn end-of-unit reviews into high-energy classroom events without spending hours on prep.

What is IXL Spark Studio?
Think of Spark Studio as your personal, AI-powered creative assistant. It’s a workspace designed specifically for teachers to generate custom classroom materials—from lesson plans and worksheets to fully interactive review games—in just a few clicks.

Create a Review Game in 3 Simple Steps
Spark Studio takes the heavy lifting out of game creation. You don’t need to come up with the questions; the AI does it for you based on the topics you’re teaching.

1. Choose Your Activity
Teachers log into IXL and head to the Spark Studio link under the "My IXL" tab. You’ll see a library of tools. For a fun, competitive review, I highly recommend the Jeopardy-style game. It’s a classic for a reason! Our students absolutely love it!
2. Give the AI a Prompt
Once you select your tool (like the Jeopardy game), simply enter:
The Topic: (e.g., "Triple-digit addition" or "Main idea and details")
The Grade Level: (e.g., "2nd Grade")
3. Review and Launch
Click Generate, and watch as the game board populates with questions and categories.
Customize: Don't like a specific question? Click on the text to edit it or hit "Regenerate" to get a fresh option.
Play: Once you’re happy, you can launch the game directly from your browser to play with the whole class on your interactive whiteboard.

Beyond the Game Board: Other Fun Activities
Spark Studio isn’t just for "Jeopardy." You can also use it to create:
Scaffolded Worksheets: Perfect for small group rotations or centers.
Exit Tickets: Generate quick checks for understanding that match your specific lesson.
Translated Resources: If you have ELL students, Spark Studio can help translate your review materials into multiple languages instantly.

It has been so much fun working with students and teachers in grades Kindergarten - 6th. Students absolutely love it which makes learning fun and engaging!