the portfolio of kate o'donnell
the portfolio of kate o'donnell
Kate O'Donnell, MAT

KAte O'Donnell, MAT

PreK-2

Elementary, 1-6

English as a Second Language, PreK-6

Moderate Disabilities, PreK-8

Final performance task for Interdisciplinary Expeditionary Learning Animal Behavior Unit.

Final performance task for Interdisciplinary Expeditionary Learning Animal Behavior Unit.

student work

Differentiating based on student interest and readiness as well as giving students choices in ways to demonstrate mastery is a key focus of my work both as an inclusive classroom teacher and ESL teacher. You will see examples of students performing original poetry pieces for an authentic audience, making math connections, multi-paragraph essays and original drawings about animal defenses and tableaus/readers' theater for our poetry anchor text.

Carousel Protocol as part of BBK (Building Background Knowledge) and uncovering a new topic.

Carousel Protocol as part of BBK (Building Background Knowledge) and uncovering a new topic.

sample lessons

View a variety of  sample lessons from Grade 4 Units I have taught.

View a variety of sample lessons from Grade 2 ESL Units I have taught.

Daily mindfulness exercise to quiet our bodies and awaken our minds.

Daily mindfulness exercise to quiet our bodies and awaken our minds.

Social Emotional Learning

Social emotional learning is more than just the latest educational buzzword in our classroom. In a school where many students have experienced trauma, social emotional learning is part of our daily routine and embedded in our content area lessons.

 

innovation and creation

I strive to create innovative lessons and experiences for my students. 

 
 
Field Expedition with Grade 4 to the Robert E. Barrett Fishway; owned and operated by the Holyoke Gas & Electric.

Field Expedition with Grade 4 to the Robert E. Barrett Fishway; owned and operated by the Holyoke Gas & Electric.

field expeditions

A large part of building background knowledge for students involves field expeditions that help to make learning come to life. Click below to learn more about these unique experiences and how they enhanced student learning and engagement.

 
Mr. Gerry Ramos, owner of Marine Reef Inc, teaches students about the importance of preserving the coral reef and helps to set up a classroom aquarium.

Mr. Gerry Ramos, owner of Marine Reef Inc, teaches students about the importance of preserving the coral reef and helps to set up a classroom aquarium.

guest speakers

Connecting the community to the classroom and the classroom to the community is an important part of my students' learning. 

 
Presenting at round table discussion, International Systemis Function Congress 2018; Boston College, Boston, MA.

Presenting at round table discussion, International Systemis Function Congress 2018; Boston College, Boston, MA.

presentations and publications

Accurso, K., Brunelle, B., Isabelle, S., & O’Donnell, K. (2017, June). Using the Teaching/Learning Cycle to support ELLs in mainstream classrooms. Presented June 1, 2017 at the annual meeting of Massachusetts Educators of English Language Learners (MATSOL), Framingham, MA.

O'Donnell, K. (2018, July). Scaffolding Social Studies Learning and Writing in a multi-level English Language Development Classroom. Presented July 25, 2018 at the annual meeting of International Systemic Function Congress (ISFC), Boston College, Boston, MA.

“Using Thinking and Feedback to Supports ELs Across the Four Domains.” Society of Pakistan English Language Teachers Journal, anticipated Winter, 2019.

“Using Thinking and Feedback as Part of the Teaching/Learning Cycle to Support ELs” Chapter in Teachers as SFL Practitioners ed. Meg Gebhard & Kathryn Accurso, anticipated January, 2019.