Spruced Up Literacy
25 Followers
WATERBURY CENTER, Vermont, United States
About the store
Welcome to Spruced Up Literacy! I'm a licensed special educator for grades K–8 with over a decade of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs. From 2012 to 2022, I taught in both public and charter schools across Massachusetts and Vermont, specializing in literacy instruction and special education.
Currently, I provide 1:1 reading and writing tutoring at the Stern Center in Vermont, using the Orton-Gillingham approach—a structured, multisensory method proven effective for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
My resources are grounded in research-based practices and designed to support educators working with struggling readers, students with IEPs, and those who benefit from explicit, scaffolded instruction.
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Programs & methods
Identifying Like Terms
This worksheet is designed to help students identify like terms. By using different colors, students can differentiate between the various terms featured on this worksheet. This worksheet can also be used as a reference in extension activities, where students solve problems for which they must combine like terms.
7th - 9th
Algebra
CVC Decodable Sentences and Passages
Are you looking for decodable resources that don’t look like they were made for a kindergartener? When older students (grades 2–5+) are still working on basic decoding, they need materials that respect their maturity while providing the intensive phonics support they require. This CVC Decodable Text Bundle is the perfect bridge between foundational phonics and age-appropriate content. Designed with a clean, modern aesthetic, these texts focus on high-frequency Consonant-Vowel-Consonant words w
Not Specific
Phonics & Phonological Awareness, Reading, Science of Reading
CCSS
RF.K.1a
, RF.K.2d
, RF.K.3
+9
Compare and Contrast Essay Graphic Organizer Outline
This graphic organizer prepares students to write a compare and contrast essay in the "Story 1, then Story 2" format. It allows students to plan an intro paragraph, two body paragraphs for story 1, two body paragraphs for story 2, and a conclusion.
7th - 9th
Literature, Short Stories, Writing-Essays
Writing an Ode Graphic Organizer
This graphic organizer is a brainstorming tool to help students write an ode. It helps students brainstorm a topic, and, once they choose a topic, think about how to use descriptive and figurative language to include in their ode. I used this graphic organizer for a student with an IEP who has difficulty with creative writing and initiating writing assignments.
7th - 9th
Poetry, Writing
OG Aligned Short A CVC Bundle: Multisensory Activities & Decodable Texts
Short A CVC Bundle | Decodable Texts + Multisensory Word Reading ActivitiesUnlock foundational reading skills with this Short A CVC Bundle, specially designed for older, struggling readers and ideal for Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy instruction. With a rich variety of multisensory activities and decodable texts, this low-prep resource targets the short “a” vowel sound in CVC words, without any “kiddie” graphics. Whether you’re working 1:1, with small groups, or using this for indepe
Not Specific
Phonics & Phonological Awareness, Science of Reading, Vocabulary
Intro to the Quadratic Formula Worksheet
This worksheet introduces students to the Quadratic Formula. It provides the equation for the quadratic formula and asks students to think about what the formula means in terms of graphing quadratic functions. This worksheet includes three problems that are progressively more difficult. It allows students to identify the a, b, and c terms before plugging them into the formula. It is best used as an introduction, pre-teaching method, and in Special Education. It is suggested that this worksheet b
8th - 9th
Algebra
Commutative and Associative Properties ISN
This is a guided notes page I used for the Input page of an Interactive Student Notebook. It allows students to see how the Commutative Properties of Addition and Multiplication and the Associative Properties of Addition and Multiplication work. It also generalizes the rules for students. As part of this lesson, I had students write numbers on post-it notes, which I used to further demonstrate how these properties worked. On the Output page of their ISN, I had students complete a sorting activit
6th - 8th
Algebra, Basic Operations, Order of Operations
Guiding Questions for Incorporating Quotes
This is a graphic organizer that can be used to teach students how to incorporate quotes in their writing. It can be used as a checklist as students flow through the essential elements of incorporating quotes. It provides guiding questions for a supporting detail, lead-in, quote, and analysis.
7th - 10th
Writing, Writing-Essays
Graphing Quadratic Functions Foldable
This tri-fold brochure breaks down the steps for graphing quadratic functions. Categories featured in this foldable include characteristics, finding the axis of symmetry, plotting the vertex, and plotting other points. Students can use this foldable when they are introduced to graphing quadratic functions, as well as a guide when solving problems on their own. Print double sided to get the title on the outside and information on the inside.
8th - 9th
Algebra
Percent of Change Foldable
This foldable can be used in accompaniment to the Percent of Change Lesson. It introduces students to percent of increase and decrease, allows students to think about how percent of change is applied in the real world, practice examples, and understand procedural steps.
8th - 9th
Algebra
Characterization Essay Outline
This graphic organizer can be used to organize students' writing for a characterization essay. It features organization guidelines for an intro paragraph, three body paragraphs for three characters, and a conclusion. It allows students to think about topic sentences, supporting details, and specific evidence that include a lead-in, quote, and analysis. This graphic organizer also helps prepare students to compare and contrast the characters they discuss.
8th - 10th
Literature, Writing-Essays
Completing the Square Scaffolded Worksheet
This worksheet breaks down the process for completing the square to solve for x. First students answer three questions to determine if an expression is a perfect square trinomial. Then, students must complete the square by finding c to make an expression a perfect square trinomial. Finally, students must complete the square to solve for x. Steps are written out for each section.
8th - 9th
Algebra
Sentence Structure Resource Sheet | Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences
Help students clearly understand sentence structure with this simple, explicit reference sheet! This resource breaks down simple, compound, and complex sentences in a way that is easy for students to understand and apply. Designed with clarity in mind, it supports students who need structured, direct instruction, especially those who benefit from explicit language teaching. Perfect for upper elementary and middle school students, this sheet can be used during whole group instruction, small grou
3rd - 12th
Grammar, Writing
Literary Analysis Essay Bundle
Help your high school students master literary analysis! This bundle includes resources for students to plan, edit, and revise a literary essay. Included in the bundle is an outline, a peer editing guide, and a rubric. The outline breaks down parts of the literary essay with prompts on the side to ensure students are not missing any pieces. Students can become "experts" in evaluating a single part of the essay, so the essay is read by multiple readers for feedback! The rubric clearly states expe
9th - 12th
English Language Arts
Percent of Change Foldable Modified
This foldable can be used in accompaniment with the Percent of Change Lesson. It is the same as the Percent of Change Foldable. However, there is more information filled in to assist students on IEP's who may benefit from the additional information.
8th - 9th
Algebra
Rationalizing the Denominator Notes
These notes, which could be used in an ISN notebook, break down the process of rationalizing the denominator for two scenarios. The first scenario is when there is a radical only in the denominator, and the second scenario is when there is a radical in both the numerator and the denominator. These notes are extremely helpful for students on IEP's who may have a hard time conceptualizing this skill. They provide step by step instruction, mnemonics, and pictures to help students visualize what is
8th - 9th
Algebra
Mock IEP Meeting Evaluation
Assist your students with disabilities in developing self-advocacy skills! This Mock Meeting Evaluation assists students in practicing and preparing to run their OWN IEP Meeting and provides a guide for giving constructive feedback! This experience is incredibly rewarding for students, teachers, and parents/guardians! Purchase with the IEP Annual Review Template, so your students can develop a PowerPoint presentation to help guide the meeting.
6th - 12th
Open Response Graphic Organizer
This graphic organizer prepares students for writing open response paragraphs. It can be used in preparation for standardized testing as well as to develop students' skills in writing body paragraphs. It allows students to develop a topic sentence, two supporting details, and specific evidence that include a lead-in, quote, and analysis.
7th - 10th
ELA Test Prep, Reading, Writing
Concession Paragraph Outline
This graphic organizer helps students write a concession paragraph for a persuasive essay or speech. It features support for writing a concession, counterargument, and conclusion.
7th - 9th
Writing-Essays
Relations Graphic Organizer Modified
This graphic organizer should be purchased with the Relations and Inverse Relations Lesson Plan and the Relations Graphic Organizer. It is the same as the Relations Graphic Organizer; however, it has more information filled in to assist students on IEP's with note-taking.
8th - 9th
Algebra
Showing 1-20 of 37 results
About the store
Experience
Welcome to Spruced Up Literacy! I'm a licensed special educator for grades K–8 with over a decade of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs. From 2012 to 2022, I taught in both public and charter schools across Massachusetts and Vermont, specializing in literacy instruction and special education.
Currently, I provide 1:1 reading and writing tutoring at the Stern Center in Vermont, using the Orton-Gillingham approach—a structured, multisensory method proven effective for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
My resources are grounded in research-based practices and designed to support educators working with struggling readers, students with IEPs, and those who benefit from explicit, scaffolded instruction.
Teaching style
My teaching style is structured, supportive, and student-centered. I believe all learners can thrive with the right tools and instruction tailored to their needs. I use the Orton-Gillingham approach to deliver explicit, multisensory lessons that build confidence and independence in reading and writing.
Whether I'm working 1:1 or designing resources for small group instruction, I focus on breaking down skills into manageable steps, providing clear models, and offering plenty of guided practice. My materials are thoughtfully designed to be engaging, accessible, and effective for students who need extra support, especially those with language-based learning differences.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Frances Nolting Temple Prize in Teaching, May 2011
Degree Honors Cum Laude, May 2010
Maynard O. Smith Prize in Political Science, May 2010
Pi Sigma Alpha, Chi Phi Chapter, 2010
My own education history
Certified by the Orton-Gillingham Academy at the Associate Level
Vermont Educator License Professional Level II - Special Education K-8 (Mild to Moderate Disabilities)
Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY May 2011
Master of Arts in Teaching
William Smith College, Geneva, NY May 2010
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Minors: Education, History
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