PSAHPERD

I went to the PSAHPERD convention for the weekend which I really enjoyed. I went to a lot of brilliant sessions such as, learning about using an iPad for P.E., Jumping with the Mars Stars, Cross Fit, Making moves and Tai Chi. Everything was very varied and interesting.

Jumping with the Mars Stars was definitely my favourite! They are a group of children who have formed a jump rope team and fundraise for the heart foundation. They were excellent, they showed off all their skills to us such as double dutch, speed skipping , performing push ups and cartwheels while skipping! They were amazing! After they performed, they taught us some of their skills! I was taught how to double dutch and speed skip. It really opened my eyes and showed me why jump rope should be part of a Physical Education curriculum. I will definitely try to incorporate jump rope into my next teaching practice.

The only thing bad about the weekend, was I never got to go tubing because the resort doesn't open till the 28th of November!

International Exchange

I can't believe my time here at SRU is nearly up! On the 15th of December I will be flying back to Ireland. I have really enjoyed my time here and I have learnt so much espeically from techpete class! College life is a lot different in Ireland. We do not get to pick our classes, we are given classes that we must take each semester. I think that this is a good thing because I know I would be very stressed when it comes to scheduling! We don't have continuous assessment either, we have around 3 assignments per class and one big test at the end of the semester worth most of your final grade. I prefer the system here, even though it is a lot more work, I find the assignments easier and the final exam isn't all or nothing! The good thing about classes in Ireland is that we have no such thing as 8am's and thank God I have none here either!
Going on international exchange is such a good experience and I would highly recommend it! You learn about different cultures and how people in different parts of the world go about their daily lives.
I have learnt a lot of American words, here's a few and how we would say them in Ireland:

trashcan = bin
vacuum = hoover
period = full stop
douchebag = eejit
turn up or transfer = go hard or go home
what's up = what's the craic

Snow!!

I was really excited when I saw the first snowfall as I have not seen snow in 3 years. In Ireland we have a very mild climate so the weather is never too hot or never too cold. However, it does rain a lot!!I have only seen snow 3 or 4 times in my life so I was looking forward to building snowmen and sledding down a few hills.
I did not expect it to be this cold, today it was -11°C. My body is not used to this kind of temperature and when I was walking to class, I could'nt even catch my breath! I don't want to think about the coming weeks and how much colder it will get! I'm going to Toronto for Thanksgiving so hopefully it won't be as cold there, or will it?

Puskas FIFA Award

I just read an article about Stephaine Roche. She is an Irish footballer who plays for Peaumont United Ladies' Team. At a local game, she scored an unbelievable goal which immediately went viral on YouTube. Watch the video below and see what you make of it!
Could this be the best goal of the year? FIFA think so as she has been nominated for the 2014 Puskas FIFA Award.Other famous nominations include;  Diego Costa,Marco Fabian, Zaltan Ibrahimovic and Robin Van Persie.
She is currently coming second in the poll and the 3 finalists will be announced on Monday December 1st! She could become the first woman ever to win the Puskas Award! Here is the link to vote: http://www.fifa.com/ballon-dor/puskas-award/video=2463789/index.html

Up Ireland!!