About the store
Hi TPT community! I'm Rebecca McAllister - I’ve been a licensed teacher for over 10 years. But it wasn’t until I had my daughter that I realized something hard to admit: even with my degree and years in the classroom, I didn’t actually know how to teach reading.
I wasn’t trained in the science of reading. I hadn’t even heard of Orton-Gillingham. That realization hit me hard, and it pushed me to dig deeper. I got trained, I studied what really works, and it completely changed how I think about literacy.
That’s why I started The Active Reader, to give educators and parents the tools and confidence I wish I had earlier. Because every child deserves the chance to become a strong reader, and every educator should feel empowered to help them get there.
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30-Week Early Literacy Curriculum | Instructor's Manual | Aligned with SOR
Looking for a complete, easy-to-follow roadmap for teaching early reading skills with confidence? This 30-Week Early Literacy Instruction Manual is your go-to guide for delivering Science of Reading-aligned instruction that works. Perfect for preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and early 1st grade, this manual includes 30 weeks of lesson plans, daily teaching scripts, pacing guides, and clear instructions to help you implement a structured literacy curriculum—with zero guesswork. Whether you're a cl
PreK - 1st
Phonics & Phonological Awareness, Reading, Science of Reading
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About the store
Experience
Hi TPT community! I'm Rebecca McAllister - I’ve been a licensed teacher for over 10 years. But it wasn’t until I had my daughter that I realized something hard to admit: even with my degree and years in the classroom, I didn’t actually know how to teach reading.
I wasn’t trained in the science of reading. I hadn’t even heard of Orton-Gillingham. That realization hit me hard, and it pushed me to dig deeper. I got trained, I studied what really works, and it completely changed how I think about literacy.
That’s why I started The Active Reader, to give educators and parents the tools and confidence I wish I had earlier. Because every child deserves the chance to become a strong reader, and every educator should feel empowered to help them get there.
Teaching style
After years in education and becoming a parent, I realized the mainstream methods of teaching reading weren’t cutting it. Kids need more than memorization and learning to guess.
My teaching style is direct and student-centered. I don’t waste time on fluff, and I focus on what actually works. I use explicit, structured literacy rooted in the science of reading, but I bring it to life with multisensory strategies, creative play, and a heavy dose of gamification.
Whether I’m working with a child, a parent, or an educator, my goal is simple: make reading instruction clear, engaging, and effective, so kids don’t just learn to read, they love it.
Awards & shining teacher moments
I create practical, research-backed literacy tools that help young kids actually learn to read, and help adults feel confident teaching them. My work has been recognized by Forbes, Reader’s Choice, and Canada’s Total Mom Pitch for making early childhood literacy simple, effective, and accessible for both educators and parents.
Before building curriculum full-time, I was a classroom teacher who led the development of our physical education program, where I was known for helping kids grow not just academically, but physically and confidently, too.
Everything I share here is built from that same mindset: student-centered, real-world tested, and designed to help you teach with purpose and clarity.
My own education history
I wasn’t the kid who picked up reading easily. I struggled with reading, writing, and comprehension for most of my school years, and to be honest, I was never really taught how to read. That gap made high school a constant uphill battle.
But I didn’t give up. I turned those challenges into fuel, and made it my mission to become the kind of teacher I wish I’d had. I earned a Master of Teaching, trained in Orton-Gillingham, and built deep expertise in structured literacy so I could help other educators bridge the gap I fell through.
Now, I create tools and resources that are clear, effective, and rooted in what actually works, so every teacher feels supported and every student has a real shot at success.
Additional biographical information
I’m a mom of two young kids, and just like the parents and teachers I support, I’ve been in the trenches of teaching reading at home. I’ve walked my own children through their literacy journey using the same evidence-based methods I share with others.
Over the years, I’ve taught thousands of children and supported countless parents and educators in helping young learners build real, lasting literacy skills.
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