The way you measure a society’s soul is by the way that it treats its children.
Nelson Mandela
Issue No. 123 – 18 December 2012
Welcome to Kidz Newz especially to all new subscribers. Kidz Newz is a regular newsletter with information and teaching tips for anyone involved with young children. You are receiving this because you have attended one of my workshops, purchased a book, or you have requested to be on the mailing list. Thank you. Please forward this to anyone you feel it may be of interest to. Feedback is welcome. Don’t forget to stay in touch on our Facebook Page and watch out for our exclusive fan page competitions.
‘Tis the Season to be Jolly
At this time of year it’s very easy to be overwhelmed by all there is to do that we can easily forget what the season is really all about. It’s not only about consideration of others; it’s also about consideration of ourselves. We can’t help others or be appropriate roles models if we are grumpy and unreachable through exhaustion and stress. Sometimes it is hard to think about being charitable when we feel we are the only ones doing absolutely everything!
I recommend taking a load off and giving yourselves recognition for all that you have achieved throughout the year. Go on. Do it now! Spend a few moments thinking about what has happened and I bet there have been plenty of ‘highs’ along the way. Maybe you had a breakthrough with a particularly difficult child or situation? Maybe you’ve achieved a milestone in life or work, be it a significant birthday, wedding, birth of a child, overseas trip, promotion at work or whatever. That makes this year wonderful and something to not only be proud of but grateful for. Even the bad stuff has a useful value in the lessons learnt.
For me it has been a busy year of work – teaching and examining – and I celebrated a significant milestone birthday, enabling me to catch up with lots of people I hadn’t seen in a while. I also produced 3 resources which is a huge achievement in one year. The first was Scarf Magic (book, DVD and 2 scarves), Lets’ Get Physical (PD DVD) and finally Berty Button Get’s a Team (picture book). Phew! No wonder I was left clinically exhausted and needed medical help. But while I was resting up on doctor’s orders, it gave me the opportunity to reflect on valuing myself and recognising my contribution, and that’s what I am recommending you do. It is only when you value yourself that you can then be humble enough to value others – whether good, bad or ugly. This stops you from becoming the martyr – which leads to resentment ultimately (and also ill-health) and instead leaves you full of gratitude that you are in a position to help others. You are not a superior person for being a martyr. And what better profession is there than teaching or caring for children to allow you to be a good role model and helper for children? What a privilege it is to be in this role. It’s hard to find time to keep things sufficiently in perspective at this time of year, but that’s exactly what you must do. If not, you collapse in a heap and spend the entire break recovering, only to start again when school resumes and so the whole grind continues.
So, take a few minutes to reflect on your achievements, even if it’s only survival of a particularly difficult year, pat yourself on the back, and recognise the significant contribution you have made to all those around you, especially the children, so that you can really enjoy the season and look forward to the new year. Remember that you are not being selfish when you consider yourself. You are being sensible. Have a celebratory drink – you deserve it!
Merry Christmas all and thank you for your support throughout the year.
As I will be spending some time in China next year getting to know the new (first) grandchild, I want to get rid of lots of stock so my valuable assistant, Deb, doesn’t have to be lumbered with masses of stock in her lounge room. Lots of items will be removed from the website so get in now while everything is still available, heavily discounted and POSTAGE FREE! (Free postage for all orders over $50.00)
ALL STOCK 20% DISCOUNT AND POSTAGE FREE FOR ORDERS OVER $50 UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2012!
EXCLUDES ‘MOVE TO LEARN’ BOOKS – 30% DISCOUNT AND POSTAGE FREE FOR ORDERS OVER $50 UNTIL 31 DECEMBER!
Please email me directly for these discounts, quoting school order number and address – info@kidzfizbiz.com. If you order from the website you will be charged full price plus postal charges.
Quotes of the Week
“You don’t have to do exceptional things, just ordinary things exceptionally well.” ~ Jim Rohn
“What you are becoming is more important than what you are getting.” ~ Unknown
“Be kind to unkind people – they need it most.” ~ Unknown
Entertainment
Consider everyone in your life, including your pets, at this time of year.
Watch this funny video for some light entertainment. You’ll love this talking dog!
Feedback (Comments from ECCPA Conference Melbourne August 2011)
What was the most useful thing you learned today?
“Meshing music with stories.”
“Dance and movement ideas.”
“To be comfortable with gentle music, we don’t need our voices always.”
“Some classroom management strategies (e.g. wake up fairy).”
“Use of classical music incorporating movement.”
About The Author
Marlene Rattigan B.A., Dip. Ed. (ECS), CELTA
Marlene Rattigan is an Early Childhood teacher, a teacher of English as a Second Language, and from 1987-2000 was a nationally accredited fitness leader. Her background is in music education. A keen interest in motor development in children led to the creation of Kidz-Fiz-Biz which she taught successfully for 13 years. Marlene also conducts workshops for children, teachers and parents at schools, in the community and at festivals. She has produced teaching manuals complete with audio CDs which are an extension of her ‘Kidz-Fiz-Biz’ program.
Kidz-Fiz-Biz
PO Box 6894, East Perth WA 6892, Australia
T: +61 8 9325 1204 M: +61 (0) 410 64 2781 E: info@kidzfizbiz.com
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Until next time … continue being a legend in your classroom.
Marlene Rattigan, Editor
Kidz Newz
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