Carrie Donovan, an introduction

Good evening all! My name is Carrie Donovan. In the picture above you see me, my husband Will and our son Collin. I just finished my sixth year of teaching. My first five years were at a cute little school in Florida and this was my first year at Liberty Elementary in Oldham County. I have only taught second grade, and will be getting the chance to start next year in first grade. 

My Reads

I have read several books recently. I read to my son every night, usually three books. Our current night time readings consist of Pete the Cat, I Love My White Shoes, Mater's Birthday Surprise, and some sort of train book (we have many!). Some of the books in my bag currently are Conferring, The Keystone of Reader's Workshop, Mosaic of Thought, 2nd Edition, and several picture books to read over for first grade next year. I really enjoy reading mysteries and science fiction books in my free time. Conferring has been an eye-opening book for me. Patrick Allen has given me so many ideas on how to listen, question, and help my students when I confer. I look forward to implementing many of his practices as I venture into first grade next year. 

About Me, simply stated

 I was born in New Orleans, LA and moved to Indiana when I was 3. I grew up in Evansville, Indiana and attended college there as well. During my student teaching, I had the opportunity to interview for a teaching job in Florida. I was shocked when they offered me a job! I eagerly moved and began teaching in a second grade classroom. I began in January and finished out the year with a challenging and wonderful class. My husband and I had a son, Collin, and wanted to be closer to family. I interviewed in KY and was lucky enough to be offered a job in Oldham County. 

I really enjoy cooking, spending time with my husband and son, gardening and making any changes to simplify our home, my classroom, or Collin's room. I spend a great deal of time outside in our backyard with Collin and our two pugs, Max and Prince. I have an amazing husband, Will, who works evenings so that Collin can be home with him during the day.

My Classroom

Being my first year of teaching in Oldham County, I had many 'new' strategies and ways of doing things I had to familiarize myself with. We do not use textbooks and consistently follow the workshop model. I have utilized the use of mentor texts and my mini-lesson time to provide my students with helpful tools and strategies to help them gain information to strengthen their comprehension. I have also allowed them to show their understanding. This could be through a PowerPoint, writing to demonstrate knowledge, a journal response, or an exit slip.

One teaching strategy that I would like to implement, as well as learn more about, is the use of small groups within the workshop model. How would this look? What would it consist of? Are there any texts to help me get started?