Step 10: Domain? Domain!

So I was struggling with the idea of whether or not to purchase a domain, and then I realized that getting a domain meant that I had, in essence, a digital portfolio.  This would be beneficial for any future employment and would give me a place to store my favorite lesson plans, web links, achievements and much more.  So I began in earnest to work on this tonight.  I would appreciate all my faithful readers taking a quick peek and letting me know what you think.  Be honest, criticism is how we adapt and grow.

Heidi Doyle's Domain

a little taste of summer for all

Step 9: Get Certified!

I've been working away at my grad school classes, loving them and learning a ton. One of the classes utilizes Google tools and really has us delving deeply into them. As part of the course, we could choose to pursue the certification process. I decided it was the best use of my time and I'm proud to say that tonight I passed!

I have been using many of the Google tools in my classes and with students recently and am loving what they can do with docs, slides, drawings, forms, etc. I have also managed to inspire a few colleagues to use various Google tools to enhance their own teaching! I am loving the journey I'm on and so thankful for all the support from friends and family. Hugs all around!

Step 8: Life is Great!

Thoughts of Winter and Pie

Hello all!  This post is a bit off topic, and yet all part of my journey.  There are two things that I have really enjoyed lately and I wanted to share that with you.  The first is the Winter Activity Program at my school.  For 5 weeks, every Thursday afternoon for 2 hours, the students participate in an activity that is typically outside of the regular classroom setting.  Several of the students go over to the ski mountain for ski lessons, snowboarding, ski jumping etc.  Other students take classes in gymnastics, cooking, karate or arts and crafts.  I had the pleasure of participating in the Winter Sports activity for the 5 weeks and had a blast each time.  We skated on the ice rink located next to the gym, we snowshoed through the trails in the woods, we went sledding down the big hill by the school and in general had a blast each and every day.  Sadly I missed the last day of the program when the kids went cross-country skiing.  What I enjoyed most about doing these activities was seeing these kids excel at things that I would never see in the classroom.  They also saw me out skating around, and pushing myself to try things I wasn't very good at.  When we have opportunities to share these experiences, it gives us all a better understanding of each other, and makes connections that enhance our teaching and learning.

The other fun thing that I recently enjoyed was my annual Pie for Breakfast Party!  We had about 30 people at our house and around 20 different pies.  It was a real treat.  The reason why I wanted to mention it, is not because of the obvious deliciousness of the day, but rather all the wonderful people who surround me in my life.  I am truly blessed to have so many unique and adventurous people that I can count as friends.  Although several people called, emailed or texted in advance to say they couldn't make it this year, we still had a full house and a lot of fun!  We even did some singing!