TL;DR: You can teach multiple children of different ages at once using Joint Lessons and Pods. SparkAI automatically layers the complexity of a single topic so every student learns at their own pace.
One of the greatest joys of homeschooling is learning together. However, teaching kids of different ages and ability levels at the same time can be a challenge.
LearnSpark makes this simple by using "layering" through Joint Lessons and Learning Pods. A Learning Pod is a group of students who learn together.
Because every child is different, SparkAI allows you to give each child a Pod Label or skill level. This ensures that even in the same lesson, the work is never too easy or too hard for anyone.
How to Create a Joint Lesson
You can start a Joint Lesson from the Schedule or the Lessons tab. Follow these steps to get started:
Select the Create Lesson button and then choose SparkAI Generation.
In the Student Selection field, click the checkboxes for all the children you want to include in your Pod.
Enter a "Big Idea" or topic, like "The Solar System" or "Ancient Rome." (Don't worry about complexity—just pick the theme!)
Choose your lesson duration and any specific learning goals.
Click Generate and wait a few seconds for SparkAI to build your layered plan.
Understanding Pod Levels and Layering
When you teach a joint lesson, SparkAI looks at each child's Operating Level and Mastery Profile to layer the content. It usually suggests three main levels to guide the tasks:
Explorer (Level 1): For younger students. It focuses on big ideas and fun, hands-on activities like identifying colors or drawing.
Adventurer (Level 2): For students with some subject knowledge. It includes more independent tasks and intermediate vocabulary.
Master (Level 3): For older or advanced students. It emphasizes research, critical thinking, and complex calculations.
💡 Good to know: If you are teaching in a homeschool co-op or a local "learning pod," this feature is the perfect way to manage a group with kids of many different ages.
Customizing Your Pod Labels
Many families like to change these names to match their own home culture. For example, you might use "Seedling, Sprout, and Oak."
Customizing these names helps SparkAI understand your unique family. It also makes your children feel more included in their own LearnSpark experience!
Go to the Students tab on your dashboard.
Select the child you want to update.
Look for the Pod Label or Differentiated Level section and click Edit.
Type in your preferred name (e.g., "Space Cadet") and hit Save.
⚠️ Heads up: Make sure your pod levels are set before you click Generate. If a lesson feels too easy, check the child's Operating Level to ensure SparkAI knows they are ready for a harder challenge!
Teaching and Logging Progress
When you open your lesson, you will see a "Group Introduction" to read to everyone. This brings the family together to start the topic.
After that, the lesson plan splits into sections for each Pod. This allows you to help each child with their specific "action steps."
When the lesson is over, click Complete Lesson. Use the Listen function to record your voice or type a summary of how each child did. This feedback helps personalize your future LearnSpark experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Joint Lessons cost more credits?
Yes, generating a Joint Lesson uses more SparkAI credits because the system creates multiple versions of the lesson at once. Credits are also used when SparkAI updates each student’s Mastery Profile after you finish teaching.
Can I move a student between Pods?
Absolutely! While SparkAI suggests a Pod based on your child's skills, you are the teacher. You can always tell a student to try the "Master" track for one day if they are feeling extra motivated.
What if my children are at the same level but have different interests?
SparkAI will still layer the lesson based on their individual Interest Profiles. One child might get a math-heavy version of the topic, while the other gets a version focused on creative writing!
Can I manually change a specific task?
Yes! If you feel a child is ready for a bigger challenge, you can use the Adjust Difficulty button to refresh that part of the lesson. Just remember that regenerating parts of a lesson will use SparkAI credits.
Will changing a nickname affect my child's official records?
No. These nicknames are for your internal teaching experience. Your official Compliance Reports will still use your child’s legal name and track their progress against formal standards.