Time for my annual post.
This past year has flown by. Between teaching and coaching, I barely have a moment to spare. I love reading about all of your life updates, it's about time I return the favor.
As I mentioned in my last post, my school district adopted a new math curriculum. Although I like our book and all the technology resources that come along with it, I feel like a first year teacher for the second year in a row. Instead of coasting a bit on pre-created resources, we're making everything up from scratch. Needless to say, it's been a year of trials and errors, but overall it's going well.
In addition to a new curriculum, I was promoted to the head varsity cheer coach for the local high school. Between school, practice and traveling (we go to all home/away football and basketball games and cheer at home wrestling meets.)
The spare time I do have is spent with my husband and our two fur children watching tv, playing games or reading a good book.
That's the briefest update possible, but maybe you'll get a couple of pictures in the next post. I hope it won't be over a year from now, but I know myself too well to promise you anything!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Update
Time for my annual post.
This past year has flown by. Between teaching and coaching, I barely have a moment to spare. I love reading about all of your life updates, it's about time I return the favor.
As I mentioned in my last post, my school district adopted a new math curriculum. Although I like our book and all the technology resources that come along with it, I feel like a first year teacher for the second year in a row. Instead of coasting a bit on pre-created resources, we're making everything up from scratch. Needless to say, it's been a year of trials and errors, but overall it's going well.
In addition to a new curriculum, I was promoted to the head varsity cheer coach for the local high school. Between school, practice and traveling (we go to all home/away football and basketball games and cheer at home wrestling meets.)
The spare time I do have is spent with my husband and our two fur children watching tv, playing games or reading a good book.
That's the briefest update possible, but maybe you'll get a couple of pictures in the next post. I hope it won't be over a year from now, but I know myself too well to promise you anything!
This past year has flown by. Between teaching and coaching, I barely have a moment to spare. I love reading about all of your life updates, it's about time I return the favor.
As I mentioned in my last post, my school district adopted a new math curriculum. Although I like our book and all the technology resources that come along with it, I feel like a first year teacher for the second year in a row. Instead of coasting a bit on pre-created resources, we're making everything up from scratch. Needless to say, it's been a year of trials and errors, but overall it's going well.
In addition to a new curriculum, I was promoted to the head varsity cheer coach for the local high school. Between school, practice and traveling (we go to all home/away football and basketball games and cheer at home wrestling meets.)
The spare time I do have is spent with my husband and our two fur children watching tv, playing games or reading a good book.
That's the briefest update possible, but maybe you'll get a couple of pictures in the next post. I hope it won't be over a year from now, but I know myself too well to promise you anything!
Monday, January 3, 2011
I'm aliiiiiiive!!!
Yes, I know I am overwhelmingly overdue for an update. Since July 28th, my life has blasted forward. I'm no longer a college student but am, in fact, struggling to fit into my big-girl panties (both literally and figuratively, unfortunately). Let's see if I can give you a brief update on the last 6 months.
- Successfully completed and defended my Master's portfolio. My last name is now Banka, M.S. :)
- Began my first year teaching 7th grade math in a Wichita area school district.
- Began my first year coaching Junior Varsity Cheerleading at my district's highschool.
- Struggled keeping a healthy balance between work and real life. My obsessive compulsive tendencies resulted in many late nights and long weekends (much to my husband's chagrin).
- Realized, after much introspection, that things do not need to be perfect and imperfection actually saves me from insanity.
- Came to terms with my unrealistic ambitions for my first year. As much as I try to believe that I am superwoman, I am a mere mortal. I've learned just how much I have to focus on the administrative side of teaching--getting my procedures, expectations and grading techniques perfected-- rather than orchestrating creative, hands-on lessons.
- Have not cooked a new meal in... well... six months and thus resort to pre-made, quick meals, soup or *gasp* cereal for my hubby's and my dining pleasure.
- Have not been able to establish an exercise routine. Both items #7 and #8 result in my literal struggle to squeeze into my big-girl panties. *ugh*
- Failed to contribute to my personal and professional learning networks. I hope my Twitter friends will excuse my prolonged absence as I pick their brains over the summer in preparation for next year.
- Excited to adopt a new textbook and design a more engaging, hands-on curriculum for next and future years.
Even with all the ups and downs these past six months provided, I wholeheartedly believe I am where I need to be. When everything around me is new, it is such a comforting feeling to realize I am doing what I was made to do. There are days when I come home dead-tired, defeated and deflated... days when I wonder, "What the heck am I doing? Is it ever going to be any easier?" Yet there are many more days when I am uplifted by the bright and challenging young minds that fill my classroom. It's these days--the days when I spend 12 hours at school and a 30 minute commute dedicated to school-- that I actually look forward to the next grueling day.
Now that I've successfully waisted an hour or so writing this entry (while watching K-State dominate in their basketball game), I do have some school work I need to do :)
I can't promise I will update my blog more frequently, but I promise I will try.
Hope all of you are doing well wherever you are!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Passion Driven Education in a 21st Century Learning Environment
As some of you may have noticed, I'm pretty serious about education. I am passionate about learning... no, more like I am addicted to learning. The more I reflect upon my childhood and educational experiences, I discover clear signs of my number-riddled destiny. My favorite activities in Montessori preschool were speedily outperforming calculator problems on an abacus, excitedly counting to 1000 on the number-bead chain, and learning about multiplication and division before entering the 1st grade. Outside of school, I demonstrated even more math-nerd inclinations. I adored playing with Tangrams, quickly completing the Tower of Hanoi (which I finally figured out was math related my junior year in college!), tinkering with my fathers business calculator, destroying the majority of my opponents in Monopoly and logic puzzles were my favorite past-time. It was evident to both my parents and my teachers that I was utterly fascinated and enthralled by numbers.
For those of you unfamiliar with the Montessori philosophy of education, Maria Montessori believed education should be driven by student curiosities. Montessori encouraged the development of "scientific thinking" by harnessing a child's curiosity and innate inquisitiveness. Each child followed their own path of education based upon their interests and aptitudes (although there were basic concepts that all students had to master prior to graduation). Students were never limited in their search for knowledge and always encouraged to improve. For example, I learned and understood the concepts of multiplication and division prior to entering 1st grade because math was my strength. Handwriting and spelling were difficult for me (and quite frankly, still are) and as a result, I wasn't able to complete as many tasks as my peers whose strengths fell in linguistics. Montessori also recognized the unique opportunity early-childhood educators had in instilling a passion for learning. Using curiosity to drive educational activities (math, science, reading, writing and practical items such as sewing a button), children learned to ask questions in order to inquire about knowledge and how things worked. It was never acceptable for students to absorb the information without considering its implications or understanding from where the knowledge originated.
With all of that said, what are we doing to entice learners, to motivate them, or to set-them-on-fire intellectually? Do we really think that mastering mandated standards in a teacher-centered, lecture-driven and de-contextualized environment will produce better and more innovative students? What are we really teaching? Are we teaching students to follow the rules or to question them respectfully? To absorb information thoughtlessly merely to regurgitate it on assessments or to harness knowledge through meaningful applications? Are we teaching them information in a manner irrelevant to their lives or are we encouraging connected and compassionate learners by creating a global learning community centered on technologies rampant in their daily lives? What happens to creativity and curiosity?!
Current legislation regarding standardized testing is likely to linger for a while. But can we find a way to balance skill-mastery and creating learning environments that motivate and encourage students to learn? Yes. Does it require more work on the teacher's part? Yes. Is it worth it? You better believe it. I had an incredible student teaching opportunity to teach a discovery-based math curriculum where students discovered concepts through meaningful applications. I lectured very little and the students were engaged. They took control of the learning while I merely facilitated by asking probing questions. Did they perform well on assessments? YES!
Here's a better example of a learning environment that motivates student learning and curiosity. This is the type of classroom I envision for my students. Unfortunately, I feel as though I in the minority of secondary teachers that desire this type of "organized chaos" over straight rows and silence.
For those of you unfamiliar with the Montessori philosophy of education, Maria Montessori believed education should be driven by student curiosities. Montessori encouraged the development of "scientific thinking" by harnessing a child's curiosity and innate inquisitiveness. Each child followed their own path of education based upon their interests and aptitudes (although there were basic concepts that all students had to master prior to graduation). Students were never limited in their search for knowledge and always encouraged to improve. For example, I learned and understood the concepts of multiplication and division prior to entering 1st grade because math was my strength. Handwriting and spelling were difficult for me (and quite frankly, still are) and as a result, I wasn't able to complete as many tasks as my peers whose strengths fell in linguistics. Montessori also recognized the unique opportunity early-childhood educators had in instilling a passion for learning. Using curiosity to drive educational activities (math, science, reading, writing and practical items such as sewing a button), children learned to ask questions in order to inquire about knowledge and how things worked. It was never acceptable for students to absorb the information without considering its implications or understanding from where the knowledge originated.
With all of that said, what are we doing to entice learners, to motivate them, or to set-them-on-fire intellectually? Do we really think that mastering mandated standards in a teacher-centered, lecture-driven and de-contextualized environment will produce better and more innovative students? What are we really teaching? Are we teaching students to follow the rules or to question them respectfully? To absorb information thoughtlessly merely to regurgitate it on assessments or to harness knowledge through meaningful applications? Are we teaching them information in a manner irrelevant to their lives or are we encouraging connected and compassionate learners by creating a global learning community centered on technologies rampant in their daily lives? What happens to creativity and curiosity?!
Current legislation regarding standardized testing is likely to linger for a while. But can we find a way to balance skill-mastery and creating learning environments that motivate and encourage students to learn? Yes. Does it require more work on the teacher's part? Yes. Is it worth it? You better believe it. I had an incredible student teaching opportunity to teach a discovery-based math curriculum where students discovered concepts through meaningful applications. I lectured very little and the students were engaged. They took control of the learning while I merely facilitated by asking probing questions. Did they perform well on assessments? YES!
Here's a better example of a learning environment that motivates student learning and curiosity. This is the type of classroom I envision for my students. Unfortunately, I feel as though I in the minority of secondary teachers that desire this type of "organized chaos" over straight rows and silence.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Double Trouble
Woah... two posts in one day?! I think this is a first...
Just wanted to pop in and let you know about my new teaching blog. The previous post (My classroom version 1.0) makes a reappearance at the new one... but I'll focus on all things school related on the new blog. I can't promise that they don't trickle over onto this blog, because that will probably happen.
The new blog: Meaningful Mathematics, Miscalculations and Missteps http://meaningfulmathematics.wordpress.com/
Just wanted to pop in and let you know about my new teaching blog. The previous post (My classroom version 1.0) makes a reappearance at the new one... but I'll focus on all things school related on the new blog. I can't promise that they don't trickle over onto this blog, because that will probably happen.
The new blog: Meaningful Mathematics, Miscalculations and Missteps http://meaningfulmathematics.wordpress.com/
My Classroom, version 1.0
Hi Friends!
My school opened for business today and I got my first glimpse at my classroom. I LOVE IT! I never expected it to be so big, in good condition and with so much storage. I guess I'm used to the tiny, well-loved classrooms of my alma mater. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure. Caution: This is after my first day... so expect a lot of bare space. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to comment... I'd greatly appreciate it!
My school opened for business today and I got my first glimpse at my classroom. I LOVE IT! I never expected it to be so big, in good condition and with so much storage. I guess I'm used to the tiny, well-loved classrooms of my alma mater. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure. Caution: This is after my first day... so expect a lot of bare space. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to comment... I'd greatly appreciate it!
Video tour of my classroom, boxes and everything!
Here's the front view of my room. I'll have a nice, new interactive white board that goes in the center. I'm not quite sure what to put on the cork board... birthdays? procedures?? We'll see. See my desks? I want to group them in threes or fours to promote multi-level ability grouping and cooperative learning but hate how two students have to hop over their shoulder partner to get in their seat. Any ideas? I tried pinwheeling the desks, but one students back will always be facing the front of the room... and that's a no-no.
Side view. Look! I have a WINDOW! I am beyond excited for this bright feature. I'm also not convinced this is the best place for my calculators... any ideas?
Back wall. I have two bookcases (now full of all my future student textbooks) and a really nice locking closet with drawers and hangers! The center table houses paper trays for student homework and supplies (hole punch, stapler, tape, etc). I'm thinking I'll put either the student of the month poster above the table or an example of homework headings. To the right of the second bookcase are two square cork boards. One of them will have absent work folders posted along with procedures. Don't know what I'll do for the second one.
MMy desk! I'm not fond of how close that pod of desks is to me... it's just enough room for me to walk behind them. What do you think? That little table to the right of my desk will most likely house each classes copies for the week. We'll see. My mentor had a great idea for copies. Use a magazine holder to separate each classes papers.
MMy closets! They're pretty empty right now but I look forward to filling them up soon!
Not too shabby for a couple of hours work. Look forward to getting those walls decorated :)
Thursday, July 8, 2010
*Tap, tap, tap* Is this thing on?
Hi Friends:
Firstly, I apologize for my prolonged absence. Much like Madam Coffeyhouse, I was clearly misguided when I thought summer meant oodles of free time. Quite the contrary. I wrapped a whirlwind 4 week course focused on curriculum theory and development. Our instructor squeezed in a full 16-weeks worth of material into those hectic 4 weeks. Needless to say, I learned a lot but that's about all I did for the month of June. I hope to finish my other two graduate courses this month and defend sometime in August.
Secondly, I gain access to my classroom in 5 days. I have no clue where to start... so I'm reading The First Days of School by Harry and Rosemary Wong to get some inspiration. Very excited to start contributing to society by shaping the minds of our future!
Thirdly, my brother, niece and two nephews are coming up to Wichita this weekend to visit :) I have NO clue where they're all going to sleep (bathtub maybe?) but we'll make it work. After my first attempt at making homemade whole-wheat pizza dough, I think I'm going to try it again... but this time with kid-friendly white dough. I'm excited to have them create their own pizza flavors! I might be bold and make a pesto, chicken, sundried tomato pizza. Very different from my staple pepperoni. Then I'll make some scrumptious sloppy joes and oven fries for Saturday night and depending upon how ambitious I am, I may make homemade cinnamon rolls for Sunday morning. With all of this cooking and hosting, what are Chad and I going to have tonight for dinner? Hamburger Helper... because that's how we roll.
Until we meet again...
Firstly, I apologize for my prolonged absence. Much like Madam Coffeyhouse, I was clearly misguided when I thought summer meant oodles of free time. Quite the contrary. I wrapped a whirlwind 4 week course focused on curriculum theory and development. Our instructor squeezed in a full 16-weeks worth of material into those hectic 4 weeks. Needless to say, I learned a lot but that's about all I did for the month of June. I hope to finish my other two graduate courses this month and defend sometime in August.
Secondly, I gain access to my classroom in 5 days. I have no clue where to start... so I'm reading The First Days of School by Harry and Rosemary Wong to get some inspiration. Very excited to start contributing to society by shaping the minds of our future!
Thirdly, my brother, niece and two nephews are coming up to Wichita this weekend to visit :) I have NO clue where they're all going to sleep (bathtub maybe?) but we'll make it work. After my first attempt at making homemade whole-wheat pizza dough, I think I'm going to try it again... but this time with kid-friendly white dough. I'm excited to have them create their own pizza flavors! I might be bold and make a pesto, chicken, sundried tomato pizza. Very different from my staple pepperoni. Then I'll make some scrumptious sloppy joes and oven fries for Saturday night and depending upon how ambitious I am, I may make homemade cinnamon rolls for Sunday morning. With all of this cooking and hosting, what are Chad and I going to have tonight for dinner? Hamburger Helper... because that's how we roll.
Until we meet again...
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