SPORK Education Review: A Gamified Kindergarten Math Curriculum
Inside: SPORK Education is an online K-2 curriculum that integrates math and science in a fun, gamified way. It aims to show how both subjects fit together, making learning more engaging for kids and easier for parents. While it offers hands-on activities and interactive lessons, it’s not a completely open-and-go curriculum, and some activities may feel repetitive. However, it’s a great tool for enrichment, especially if you enjoy gameschooling.
Ever feel like you’re constantly trying to figure out how to make math and science curricula connect in order to show your kids how they work in real life? Wondered how you can make your kindergarten math curriculum more interesting? You’re not alone.
It can be frustrating trying to coordinate things. That’s where SPORK Education comes in. They’ve created a gamified online K-2 curriculum that blends math and science to help build a solid foundation in both.
The idea is simple—why keep these subjects separate when they naturally fit together? SPORK aims to show kids how math and science are part of the same story, making it easier (and less stressful!) for both you and them.
But with so many homeschooling tools out there, It’s hard to say which programs are actually worth it. In this SPORK Education review, I’ll walk you through my own experience with SPORK Education—the good and the not-so-good—so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your homeschool.
This is a sponsored post. I was given the product to review and I might have been compensated for my time. I would never endorse or recommend programs we wouldn’t use ourselves. Read more about it in my Disclosure.
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About SPORK Education
SPORK Education is an online platform designed to bring math and science together for K-12 students. Developed by the same team behind BASIS Charter Schools, SPORK Education takes a fresh approach to integrating these two subjects into one curriculum, helping kids see the connection between numbers and the world around them. The goal? To make learning feel more practical, interconnected, and relevant.
What sets SPORK apart is its tech-driven, digital approach. It offers interactive lessons that are always being updated and can be tailored to fit the needs of both students and teachers. With features like progress tracking and instructional tools, SPORK is designed to make teaching more effective and learning more engaging—without the need for heavy textbooks.
SPORK is all about flexibility. The program allows educators to tweak lessons as needed, which makes it a great fit not just for schools but also for homeschooling families looking for a more modern approach to math and science education.
Born from the desire to create a curriculum that truly works for both teachers and students, SPORK Education offers a unique, dynamic way to teach these essential subjects.
SPORK was born out of the desire to create a unique and dynamic math curriculum that truly caters to the needs of both teachers and students.
SPORK Education
What Does SPORK Education Offer?
If you’ve ever found yourself piecing together separate math and science curriculums for your little one, SPORK Education might be the breath of fresh air you need. This math program combines both subjects into one streamlined K-2 curriculum, designed to take some of the weight off your shoulders while building a solid foundation for your child and making math time more fun and exciting. But let’s break down exactly what SPORK brings to the table:
1. K-2 Math and Science Curriculum
SPORK’s big selling point is its integrated approach to math and science. This isn’t just another set of worksheets—this curriculum is designed to show kids how numbers and the natural world connect. And that’s a big win because let’s be honest, who hasn’t struggled to explain why math matters outside of the classroom?
Math:
- Counting and Number Recognition: Your child will get comfortable recognizing numbers and understanding patterns, starting with the basics and developing their number sense.
- Addition and Subtraction: These early operations are taught using visuals and hands-on activities—because nothing is worse than abstract concepts that leave kids confused and frustrated.
- Sorting and Grouping: Think of this as the beginning of critical thinking. Your child learns to categorize by size, shape, and color, which ties into science as well.
- Basic Geometry: Identifying shapes and understanding spatial relationships is key to setting up those future math skills.
Science:
- Identifying Plants and Animals: A simple introduction to classifying plants and animals—perfect for curious little minds who want to explore.
- Planet Exploration: Who doesn’t love space? SPORK brings in basic planetary concepts, which can spark an early interest in astronomy.
- The Human Body: Kids learn about body parts in a fun, relatable way that doesn’t feel like just another lesson—they actually get excited about it.
2. Lesson Plans, Hands-On Learning, and Manipulative Kit
Now, about the lesson plans—SPORK offers step by step online plans complete with activity ideas and printables. The printables are a huge bonus for keeping kids engaged, but I won’t sugarcoat it: this isn’t an open-and-go curriculum. You’ll need to do some prep work to get the most out of it. For some parents, that’s no big deal, but if you’re short on time, it could feel like another thing on your to-do list.
That being said, the activities are well-designed and definitely worth the effort. If you’re okay with spending a little time preparing, you’ll find that the lessons are rewarding for both you and your child.
You could technically buy the whole workbook ready-printed, and that can save time, but I only had access to the digital version, and there is a lot of back and forth to get everything ready for a lesson.
SPORK also offers a separate manipulative kit that you can purchase. While I didn’t have a chance to see the kit myself, it’s available as an additional resource for those looking to add even more hands-on learning tools to their lessons. If the kit is as thoughtfully designed as the rest of the program, it could be a great way to further engage your child with tactile learning.
3. Learning Through Games and Interactive Tools
One of the things to love about SPORK (if your kids learn better that way) is that the entire program is centered around learning through games and thinking, not just rote memorization. This approach makes SPORK an ideal fit for families who love gameschooling and want to make learning fun and engaging without relying on memorization drills.
SPORK incorporates some playful, interactive elements to keep kids engaged:
- Rewards and Stickers: Kids earn virtual stickers and badges for completing lessons. It’s a nice touch, and while it’s a simple feature, it adds a bit of extra motivation for little learners.
- Progress Tracking: The platform offers progress tracking, but it’s manual, from the parent’s side—you’ll need to input the data yourself. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re used to fully automated systems, this might feel like a bit of extra work.
I love that the program focuses on play and exploration instead of just drilling facts. If you’re into gameschooling or simply prefer a more playful approach to education, SPORK’s emphasis on thinking over memorization might really click with your family.
4. Flexible Access Anywhere
One of the best things about SPORK is how accessible it is. You can access the program on any device—whether it’s a computer, tablet, or phone—through their website or the SPORKforhome app. This makes it incredibly convenient for parents and students who need flexibility. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you can continue the lessons anywhere, which is perfect for busy families.
5. Kits and Learning Options
SPORK also offers additional learning resources to complement their digital platform:
- Manipulative Kits: These kits provide physical tools that help make the learning process even more hands-on. While I haven’t had the chance to review the kit myself, it’s a nice option for parents who want to incorporate more tactile learning.
- Physical Workbooks: If you prefer something more tangible, SPORK sells workbooks alongside their digital lessons. These can be a helpful addition for parents who want their children to practice on paper and it can save you printing time.
- Ecourse: If you’re looking for an entirely digital option, SPORK offers an online-only version called the ecourse. This gives you access to all the lessons and resources without needing physical materials, making it a flexible and affordable choice.
6. Levels Offered K-2
SPORK Education offers three levels—SPORK Butterfly Math & Science A, B, and C—each building on the last to provide a complete math and science foundation for K-2 students. Here’s a breakdown of each level:
SPORK Butterfly Math & Science – Level A (Kindergarten)
In Level A, students focus on numbers 1-100, learning addition and subtraction, basic fractions (halves, thirds, quarters, eighths), and practical skills like reading clocks and identifying coins and bills.
In science, they identify animals, plants, and their characteristics, explore basic landforms, learn about the solar system, and are introduced to parts of the human body.
SPORK Butterfly Math & Science – Level B (1st Grade)
In Level B, students work with numbers 1-1000, learning place value, comparing odd and even numbers, and adding and subtracting up to 3 digits. They also explore fractions and basic geometric shapes.
In science, they learn about different types of animals and plants, compare habitats, understand weather patterns, and explore the relationship between seasons, the day/night cycle, and the Earth, Sun, and Moon. They also learn about force and states of matter.
SPORK Butterfly Math & Science – Level C (2nd Grade)
In Level C, students advance to addition and subtraction up to 4 digits, practice multiplication (memorizing one-digit tables), and work on fractions (adding, subtracting, and comparing). They also improve time-telling and learn to measure in centimeters and inches.
Science covers animal classifications, plant reproduction, and introduces types of energy and how energy transforms.
7. Access and Pricing
Here’s where things get straightforward:
- 18-month access for $39. That’s all math and science lessons, lesson plans, activities, and printables for up to two students.
- Free Demo: Try out a full unit for free before deciding if SPORK is right for you.
Honestly, the pricing is pretty reasonable, especially considering the amount of content. But remember, the hands-on element means you’ll need to put in the time to get the most out of it—so just be sure that fits into your schedule.
Inside a Unit: SPORK Butterfly Math & Science – Level A (Kindergarten)
SPORK Education provides a user-friendly, streamlined experience for both parents and students. The integrated dashboard offers easy access to all the content, games, and activities, and switching between different modes is as simple as entering a PIN. This makes it easy to transition between tasks without much hassle, a feature I really appreciated.
For kindergarten students in Level A, SPORK offers a structured program with 34 weeks and 164 lessons. The lessons are designed to gradually unlock content, ensuring that children can move at a steady pace. This progressive structure helps avoid overwhelming young learners.
Lesson Structure
Each unit in Level A typically includes 4-6 games per lesson, along with hands-on activities, lesson plans, and printables that complement the games. These activities are designed with group learning in mind, which might make them seem more classroom-focused. However, I found that with a few tweaks, they can easily be adapted for homeschooling, even when homeschooling an only child.
Games and Activities
The games are the heart of SPORK’s lessons.
For example, a math lesson might involve counting objects, recognizing numbers, and using number lines, while a science lesson could focus on sorting animals and plants, identifying characteristics like fur or feathers, and understanding the basic needs of living things. These types of interactive tasks are great for keeping young children engaged, especially since they’re learning through play.
One thing to note is that while these activities are fun, they might feel a bit repetitive for kids who quickly grasp the concepts and for gifted kids.
For children who are ready for a bit more challenge, SPORK includes bonus levels marked with a ribbon. These offer more advanced tasks, adding an extra layer of difficulty. I like this feature because it allows kids who are progressing faster to stay motivated and challenged, without making them wait for the rest of the material to catch up.
Sample Lesson: Lesson 8 – Needs of Living Things
Here’s a look inside a typical lesson:
- Math: In Lesson 8, students work on a number chart from 1-10, practicing writing numbers and comparing them. This helps reinforce number recognition in a simple, straightforward way.
- Science: The same lesson also introduces the needs of living things. Children compare what animals and plants require to survive, using visual aids and brainstorming activities to help solidify the concepts.
Games in This Lesson
Lesson 8 includes a range of engaging games:
- Identifying Needs of Living Things
- Which Thing Doesn’t Belong to the Group?
- Comparing Numbers
- Recognizing the Number 7
- Sorting Plants by Stems
- Counting 1-10
- Interpreting Pictographs
The variety of activities here ensures kids are learning from different angles—through sorting, identifying, and comparing. This is a great way to reinforce both math and science concepts, especially for kids who need more repetition.
Lesson Path and Printables
Each lesson comes with clear, easy-to-follow instructions and printable materials to guide parents or teachers through the activities. For Lesson 8, these include:
- A number chart for writing numbers 1-10
- A chart showing the needs of living things
- Brainstorming worksheets for discussing living and non-living things
These printables are a great addition to the lessons, offering a more tactile learning experience that complements the digital games. However, there is some prep work involved with printing and organizing materials, so keep that in mind if you’re short on time.
*To see what’s covered in each level click on “View Details”
What I Liked and What Could Be Improved
I’ve always been a bit partial to having young kids learn hands-on, using books and workbooks before fully relying on an online curriculum or app. That’s where my take differs from SPORK’s approach. We’ve been using Singapore math since kindergarten, and it’s worked wonders for my son. So, while SPORK is designed to be a complete curriculum, I personally see it as an excellent enrichment tool. It complements other learning methods well, but I can’t help but feel there are still a few areas where it could be improved. So here is my take on SPORK Education:
✅ What I Loved
SPORK Education stands out because it doesn’t treat math and science as two separate entities—it brings them together in a way that makes sense for young students, in a game-style learning. If you’ve been struggling to tie the two subjects together and your kids like learning through apps, this could be exactly what you need.
Integrated Math and Science Curriculum
The biggest highlight for me was SPORK’s unique approach to combining math and science in a digital format. Instead of treating these subjects as two separate things, SPORK merges them into one cohesive program, which makes a lot of sense.
It felt more natural to see how numbers and the natural world connect, rather than jumping between different, unrelated lessons. It’s a smart way to show kids early on how these subjects go hand-in-hand.
Hands-On Learning
I’m a big fan of hands-on learning, and SPORK delivered with their printables, and I suspect this is even better if you have the physical manipulatives on hand.
There’s something about physically manipulating objects that helps the concepts sink in for younger kids, and it was a refreshing change from more passive, digital lessons. If you’re like me and value a more interactive learning experience, SPORK’s printables and manipulative kit will definitely be a win.
Affordable Pricing
SPORK’s price point is another big plus—$39 for 18 months of access for one parent and two students is a solid deal, especially compared to other homeschool curriculums that can quickly add up when you have more than one child. For that price, you’re getting a full math and science program. For homeschooling families looking for good value, this is a major win.
Game-Based Learning Focus
I also loved how SPORK is centered around learning through games and thinking, rather than memorization. As someone who’s interested in gameschooling, this approach fits perfectly. Kids would stay engaged without feeling like they were just being drilled with facts. Learning through play makes everything feel more natural and fun.
❌ What Could Be Improved
That said, SPORK Education is not for everyone. If you’re looking for something super low-maintenance, the prep required for printables and activities might feel like extra work. And while the gamified tools are a fun touch, they’re not as advanced as some might expect. And don’t forget about all that screen time either.
Classroom-Centric Structure
While the content itself is well thought-out, I did find that SPORK’s structure feels a bit more geared toward classroom settings than homeschooling, which is to be expected, since they started out as a tool for schools. A lot of the activities seem designed with group work in mind, which can be a little tricky when you’re teaching one-on-one at home (especially for parents homeschooling an only child like us). Some lessons needed more guidance or setup than I expected for a homeschool curriculum, which meant I had to adjust things to make them work for us.
Lack of Audio Support
This is a big deal and would have been a deal breaker for us when my son was young. For younger kids who are still developing their reading skills, audio support is a MUST. SPORK Education has no audio whatsoever.
Having instructions read aloud would help make the program a bit more independent for kids, providing a better user experience. Without that, parents need to be more hands-on to guide their children through the lessons, which may not always be ideal if you’re juggling multiple responsibilities or just need a break. So this is not the type of app-based curriculum that young kids can do independently.
Repetitive Activities
While I loved that the program is game-based, I did notice that some of the activities, like sorting and counting, felt repetitive after a while, especially for my gifted learner. I think adding more variety to the tasks would help keep things fresh and prevent kids from zoning out. The games are fun, but after doing the same thing a few times, it can start to feel a bit monotonous.
Conclusion: Is SPORK Education Right for Your Homeschool?
SPORK Education offers a refreshing take on integrating math and science in their kindergarten curriculum, making it easier for homeschooling parents to show their children how these subjects work together in the real world. Its game-based, hands-on approach makes learning engaging and fun, especially for those who enjoy gameschooling.
However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. While the curriculum provides great value at an affordable price, the classroom-focused structure and lack of audio support may not work for everyone. SPORK shines in its interactive approach but requires some prep time, which could be a dealbreaker for families seeking a more independent learning tool.
At the end of the day, if you’re looking for a program that fosters critical thinking and hands-on learning, SPORK is a solid choice. It might require a little more involvement from parents, but for families who love learning through play, it’s worth a try, especially because they offer a free demo. Try it out and see how it aligns with your preferences.
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