It is just great that somebody is learning to drive a stick. It seems like more and more people don't even bother. I will not let my kids drive unless they drive a stick - it keeps them more focused on driving.

 

Regarding spinning the tires: That is surprising easy on a fwd car. Even relatively underpowered ones. When you accelerate, the weight shifts rearward, unloading the front tires, and causing a loss of traction.

Jerky 1-2 shift: This is usually the toughest to do smoothly, due to the reasons exMGB mentioned, especially if you are trying to really goose it. It also doesn't help that you are driving a relatively light car. Try what I said earlier. From 1 to 2 use your finger tips to put a little pressure downward on the shifter. Start engaging the clutch at the same time you are lifting off the throttle. The shifter should slide to second the instant the clutch engages. Clutch out (or is it in?) apply throttle, and you should be fine. Practice it starting with little to moderate acceleration, then work your way to the drag-strip.

At the proper speed, and little to no load, I used to be able to shift my 81 Civic 1500 from 1st to 4th without the clutch. For some reason (overdrive?), I could never get 5th.