About the store
About Me – Literacy & First Grade Expertise
I am a 32-year retired elementary teacher with a lifelong passion for first-grade instruction and early literacy development. I have extensive experience teaching at Title I schools, focusing on closing achievement gaps and supporting diverse learners.
As a certified Reading Specialist, I specialize in early reading intervention, phonics-based instruction, language development, and differentiated literacy strategies. My classroom currently serves a high population of English Learners (EL students), with 18 of 24 first graders learning English as a second language. Literacy instruction is the foundation of my teaching practice, ensuring all students gain the skills they need to succeed.
Beyond the classroom, I have served as a District Liaison Teacher, BTSA Support Provider, Master Teacher, and Site Lead Teacher, mentoring new educators and fostering collaborative school communities. I am dedicated to providing research-based, practical strategies that empower teachers and drive measurable student growth.
On Teachers Pay Teachers, I create teacher resources for first-grade literacy, phonics, reading intervention, and English Learner support, designed to make instruction engaging, effective, and easy to implement.
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Halloween Fact Families Math Booklets | Addition & Subtraction within 10 and 20
Make math practice fun and seasonal with these Halloween fact families booklets! This engaging resource helps students master addition and subtraction fact families using a festive Halloween theme that keeps learners motivated and focused. Perfect for first grade and early second grade, these booklets reinforce part–part–whole relationships, number bonds, and math fluency. Students practice building fact families using addition and subtraction within 10 and within 20, making this resource
1st - 2nd
Arithmetic, Basic Operations
CCSS
1.OA.B.3
, 1.OA.B.4
, 1.OA.C.5
+3
Think Addition to Subtract Math Worksheets| Subtraction Strategy & Fact Families
Help students master subtraction by using addition to solve subtraction problems with this engaging, standards-aligned math resource! This Think Addition to Subtract strategy pack reinforces the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction and builds strong number sense, part-part-whole understanding, and fact family fluency. Perfect for first grade and second grade classrooms, these worksheets support guided math, instructional groups, math centers, homework, and independent prac
1st - 2nd
Arithmetic, Basic Operations
Place Value Winter Snowman Math | Build a Snowman Place Value Activity
Engage your students with this winter-themed place value math activity that makes learning place value fun for all learners! In this Do You Want To Build A Snowman? Place Value resource, students practice key place value skills while building adorable snowmen that represent numbers in fun, hands-on ways — perfect for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classrooms. This seasonal math resource supports essential number sense and place value standards, helping students understand ones
1st - 3rd
Mental Math, Place Value
CCSS
1.NBT.B.2
Also included in: Winter Activities Bundle for K-3 | Seasonal Math, Literacy & Writing
Daily Language Practice FIX IT Sentences | Sentence Editing Worksheets
Help your students strengthen their grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and sentence editing skills with these Daily Language Practice FIX IT Sentences worksheets! This resource provides daily editing practice that supports teachers in reinforcing key English Language Arts skills like sentence correction, conventions of standard English, and written expression — perfect for kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and third grade classrooms. These sentence editing worksheets are ideal f
K - 2nd
Grammar, Writing
CCSS
L.1.1
I Can Write a Sentence Pocket Chart Cards | Picture Word Cards for Sentences
Support early writing, sentence structure, and literacy skills with these “I Can Write a Sentence” pocket chart picture word cards — perfect for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classrooms! These hands-on sentence building cards help students practice writing complete sentences, reinforce sight words, and grow confidence in reading and writing. Designed for literacy centers, writing centers, guided reading, small groups, and whole-class lessons, students use the picture word car
PreK - 2nd
Reading Strategies, Vocabulary
Daily Editing and Grammar Practice...Fix it #2
CA Journeys SUPPLEMENT Can be used with ANY program! Daily editing, revising and rewriting practice activities. Writing complete sentences correcting for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and other conventions. 2 sentences per day. Booklet style with 2 per page. Black and white to save on ink! Ready for the WHOLE SCHOOL YEAR!
K - 2nd
Reading, Vocabulary, Writing
Reading Response Pages for Book Club | Literature Response Worksheets
Engage your students in meaningful reading comprehension and literature response activities with these book club reading response pages! This resource provides versatile reading response worksheets that support students as they think critically about books, reflect on text, make connections, and communicate their understanding in writing — perfect for book clubs, guided reading groups, independent reading, and literacy centers. These reading response pages are ideal for use with any book,
1st - 3rd
Reading Strategies, Spelling, Vocabulary
Who and What? Understanding Subjects and Predicates
Introduce students to the core parts of a sentence with this engaging mini-unit on subjects and predicates! This resource helps learners understand who a sentence is about and what is happening in the sentence through fun, hands-on practice. Designed for early elementary students (1st–2nd grade), it includes a variety of activities to support classroom instruction and independent practice. What’s included: • Pocket chart cards for interactive learning • Definition and anchor charts • Studen
1st - 2nd
Balanced Literacy, Grammar, Reading
Fairy Tales Reading Response FREEBIE
Free Fairytales Reading Response ActivitiesMini-unit to help students compare fairy tales for reading and writing. Unit includes: Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella Hansel and Gretel. Vocabulary, Sequencing, Retelling, Writing, and Comparing printables Color Saving INK? Print in Grayscale Questions? Email me: 1stgradefireworks@gmail.com
K - 2nd
Literature, Vocabulary, Writing
BALANCED LITERACY for the Elementary Classroom
Balanced Literacy AND Structured Literacy. First, we organize ourselves. THEN, we plan for instruction. How to do BOTH? Balanced Literacy classroom activities begin with teacher lesson plans. This resource will take the "teacher-time" out of using balanced literacy research, to schedule, set up, and implement balanced literacy in YOUR classroom. Descriptors, samples, pictures, and resources, are ALL included. Check out the PREVIEW VIDEO!This easy prep and student-engaging framework will inc
K - 3rd
Balanced Literacy, Reading, Writing
CCSS
RF.1.2b
, RF.1.4
, CCRA.R.2
+2
Writing Center Vocabulary Banners | Year-Round Seasonal Word Wall (Fall, Winter,
Create a language-rich writing center with these year-round vocabulary banners designed to support student writing in kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and third grade. This resource includes seasonal vocabulary banners for Fall, Winter, and Spring, making it easy to keep your writing center fresh, engaging, and relevant all year long. These writing center word wall banners provide visual vocabulary support to help students spell words correctly, generate ideas, and expand their writi
K - 3rd
Vocabulary, Writing
Fall Fluency Word Trees for Reading | Autumn Sight Word Fluency Practice
Help young readers build reading fluency and sight word automaticity with these Fall Fluency Word Trees for Reading — perfect for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classrooms! This seasonal literacy resource provides engaging word tree fluency practice that supports students as they read words, phrases, and simple sentences with confidence and accuracy. Ideal for literacy centers, reading groups, guided reading, and small-group instruction, these fall-themed word trees make flue
K - 2nd
Phonics & Phonological Awareness, Reading, Vocabulary
Also included in: Reading Fluency Pages BUNDLE | Sight Word & Decodable Reading Fluency
Reading Fluency Passages | Oral Reading Practice | Reading Comprehension
Help students build reading fluency, accuracy, expression, and comprehension with this set of leveled reading fluency passages — perfect for kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms! These reading fluency practice passages are designed to support essential literacy skills such as smooth oral reading, phrasing, sight word automaticity, comprehension checks, and fluency progress monitoring. Use these passages in small groups, guided reading, literacy centers, fluency interventions, or in
K - 2nd
Balanced Literacy, Phonics & Phonological Awareness, Reading
Math Talk...Discussion Stems for a Math Talk Community
Math Discussion stems for encouraging classroom Math Talk. Sentence Starters for problem-solving, explaining procedures, and encouraging others to participate in mathematical discussions. Posters to guide student discussions.Teacher Cheat Sheet to facilitate student vocabulary.Available in color & B/W Questions? Email me: 1stgradefireworks@gmail.com
K - 3rd
Applied Math, Math Test Prep, Mental Math
Must-Do / May-Do Focal Wall Cards | Classroom Focus Wall Cards | Daily Learning
Organize your classroom instruction and reinforce key skills with these Must-Do / May-Do Focal Wall Cards — updated and ready to support daily learning objectives, standards, and “I Can” statements! Designed for elementary teachers, this focus wall classroom décor resource helps you highlight essential versus optional skills so students know what’s expected each day. Focus walls are a powerful visual tool that display learning targets, vocabulary, schedules, standards, and success criteria
K - 2nd
English Language Arts, Reading Strategies
November Math Fact Family Booklets | Addition & Subtraction Fact Family Practice
Engage your students in math fact fluency practice this fall with these November Math Fact Family Booklets — perfect for 1st grade and 2nd grade classrooms! These fact family worksheets support essential number sense by helping students build addition and subtraction fact family fluency, understand part–part–whole relationships, and strengthen recall of basic math facts within 10 and 20. Designed for math centers, guided math groups, independent practice, homework, and early finisher acti
K - 2nd
Arithmetic, Basic Operations
Singular & Plural Nouns Activities | Singular and Plural Noun Worksheets
Help your students master singular and plural nouns — understanding the difference between one and more than one — with this comprehensive grammar resource! This singular & plural nouns activity pack is perfect for 1st grade and 2nd grade classrooms and supports essential ELA skills such as noun identification, sorting, sentence writing, and word forms. Designed for centers, small groups, whole-class instruction, literacy tasks, and independent work, this resource makes teaching parts of
1st - 2nd
Grammar, Vocabulary
Winter Activities Bundle for K-3 | Seasonal Math, Literacy & Writing
Keep your classroom engaged all winter long with this Winter Activities Bundle for Kindergarten through 3rd Grade! This comprehensive seasonal winter resource gives you tons of ready-to-use activities across subjects — perfect for ELA, math, writing, centers, guided groups, and literacy stations during December, January, and February. This winter theme bundle is designed to help students practice key skills while having fun with snow, winter holidays, and seasonal learning. Whether you nee
K - 2nd
Balanced Literacy, Mental Math, Vocabulary
CCSS
1.NBT.B.2
, RF.1.3
, CCRA.L.1
Who AM I? Animal Classification Card Game | Animal Science Game for Kids
Make animal classification fun and interactive with this Who AM I? Animal Classification Card Game — perfect for 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade science classrooms! This engaging animal science card game uses riddles and clues to help students identify animals based on their characteristics, reinforcing key science standards like classification, animal groups, vertebrates vs. invertebrates, and vocabulary. Students read clues, think critically, and classify animals as they play — just
1st - 3rd
Reading, Science, Vocabulary
Irregular Plurals Grammar Practice | Irregular Plural Nouns Worksheets
Help your students master irregular plural nouns with this engaging grammar and word work resource designed for First Grade ELA! Perfect for first grade classrooms, this printable set supports essential English language arts grammar standards, providing targeted practice with irregular plural forms like children, feet, mice, teeth, and more. These irregular plural noun worksheets are ideal for ELA centers, small group instruction, literacy stations, guided practice, and independent work.
1st - 3rd
Grammar, Reading, Vocabulary
Showing 1-20 of 290 results
About the store
Experience
About Me – Literacy & First Grade Expertise
I am a 32-year retired elementary teacher with a lifelong passion for first-grade instruction and early literacy development. I have extensive experience teaching at Title I schools, focusing on closing achievement gaps and supporting diverse learners.
As a certified Reading Specialist, I specialize in early reading intervention, phonics-based instruction, language development, and differentiated literacy strategies. My classroom currently serves a high population of English Learners (EL students), with 18 of 24 first graders learning English as a second language. Literacy instruction is the foundation of my teaching practice, ensuring all students gain the skills they need to succeed.
Beyond the classroom, I have served as a District Liaison Teacher, BTSA Support Provider, Master Teacher, and Site Lead Teacher, mentoring new educators and fostering collaborative school communities. I am dedicated to providing research-based, practical strategies that empower teachers and drive measurable student growth.
On Teachers Pay Teachers, I create teacher resources for first-grade literacy, phonics, reading intervention, and English Learner support, designed to make instruction engaging, effective, and easy to implement.
Teaching style
My Teaching Style – Engaging, Multisensory, and Student-Centered
With decades of classroom experience, my teaching blends structured classroom management with student choice, respect, and engagement. I created a learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and empowered, fostering ownership of their literacy growth.
When I was in the classroom, academic discussions and collaborative learning were a daily buzz. Guided reading was my favorite instructional time, where students demonstrate reading skills, comprehension, and critical thinking through interactive discussion.
My literacy instruction is multisensory and joyful, incorporating music, movement, chants, and educational games to support early reading development, phonics mastery, and comprehension. I differentiate lessons to meet the needs of non-readers, on-level learners, and gifted students, ensuring all learners are challenged and supported.
I emphasize accountability, perseverance, and self-reflection, helping students build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning, especially during the critical early years of literacy.
Awards & shining teacher moments
I was our district's liaison resource teacher for a year during curriculum adoption. I helped train EVERY elementary teacher in our district. A HUGE honor!
My own education history
I entered the profession late, after having 3 boys at home and a daughter on the way. My highest honor was earning my teaching credential after 3 1/2 years of night school. The degree was a collaborative effort between my husband, my family, and myself. I later earned my Reading Certificate, after another stint at night school. I LOVE to learn!
Additional biographical information
As a retired Title I teacher, I have received extensive professional development in a wide range of research-based instructional programs that support literacy growth and student achievement. My training includes GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design), SIPPS, Dataworks, RTI (Response to Intervention), Guided Reading, and Accelerated Reader (AR), among many others.
Each professional learning experience has shaped my practice and strengthened my ability to meet the needs of diverse learners, particularly English Learners and struggling readers. I believe effective teaching comes from thoughtfully integrating multiple instructional approaches—taking the most impactful strategies from each program and combining them to meet students where they are.
By blending structured literacy instruction, data-driven decision-making, and engaging classroom practices, I create a learning environment where students feel motivated, confident, and excited to learn. My goal is not only academic success, but also to foster a joyful classroom culture where students laugh, collaborate, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
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