When I entered the world of becoming a math teacher, I had little idea of the challenges and new discoveries I would encounter. As a student teacher in Colorado, I remember conversations with an art teacher on finding strategies and artistic ideas to help struggling students succeed in math. My first hands-on lesson involved 4th graders creating visual multiplication flashcards. It was a great start and kindled a small flame of finding hands-on methods for helping students understand and succeed in mathematics.
Receiving a wonderful opportunity to teach math to middle school students in a Christian school in Germany began my entry into support raising. Sharing what I was about to do opened up many conversations about math and how to teach math. One of my Colorado supporters shared how students need to discover and inquire how to solve math problems without being given the rules, clues, and hints. He used the Pythagorean Theorem as an example. As students discover on their own or in groups how to solve a problem, the experience is so much richer and sticks much longer than if I were to give them the rules and mindless problems to solve. At the time, I was in complete agreement, but had little idea how to teach in this manner.
Because our students are each created by a loving Creator as a living soul, they will think through problems differently. I have discovered through having students share their strategies with each other, the value of sharing our learning and "stealing" each other's strategies! Differentiation is evidenced in a classroom as 18 brains think through problems in 10 different ways! I have been so blessed in having the opportunity to attend these conferences this year! I will have two more to attend next year. I am learning so much from my instructors and members of my cohort who are math teachers in international schools throughout Europe. Thank you for your financial gifts that have gone towards this opportunity! After each conference, I write a reflective paper and send it in for graduate credit. It is my desire to continue my graduate studies in math education after I complete the math conferences.
Another bonus of the math conferences is having the opportunity to travel and see new places I only dreamed of visiting! Having friends and family who have traveled the world always had me wanting to go travel as well! In Prague, I found the old town square and saw the John Hus monument. I also visited the Bethlehem Chapel a few days later and heard a bit more of his story. I knew the basics and was intrigued by his life as I heard more. He was a faithful follower of Christ and when in the face of severe persecution, he would not recant. Instead, he clung to His Savior as he prepared to exit this world. It can be hard to read and hear stories of those who are constantly facing persecution. As we pray for our brothers and sisters, we can be encouraged that God is close by their side through every storm. I have included a few pictures inside the Bethlehem Chapel as well.
This year has been exhausting, challenging and so rewarding in so many ways! God continues to go before me and gives strength for the journey. I have enjoyed co-leading my small group of Senior girls who are about to embark on a new adventure as they prepare for college. My instruction and teaching methods have changed and will continue to change as I process my learning and continue to grow as a math teacher. I look forward to our last quarter of the year as my students are studying geometry. My 8th graders are creating stained glass windows again and I will have pictures soon!
For chapel last week, we sang "Oceans" which hit my heart and I wanted to share it with you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m_sWJQm2fs
One of my cohort members is an amazing photographer and took some beautiful pictures of Prague! I thought you may enjoy them!
The building above is called the Fred and Ginger, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers, I imagine! Not sure why. My hostel was just down the street of Jecna. I was so proud of myself as I conquered public transportation! Each time I travel, I gain confidence in my abilities to mingle in the culture, figure out public transportation, and how to ask for directions when needed. I have moments of exhilaration when I find my destination! :)
My favorite is this photo taken from close by the Charles Bridge at night. You can see the lights of the Prague castle and the little quarter as you look across the Charles Bridge.
Many blessings, Karen
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