The way you measure a society’s soul is by the way that it treats its children.
Nelson Mandela
Issue No. 102 – 30th March 2011
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.
PD Update
ECCPA Conference Melbourne August 20-21, 2011
In Order to Achieve the Future You Desire, You Must First be Willing to Walk Away From Present Distractions
This bit of wisdom comes from businessman and entrepreneur Justin Herald of Attitude T-Shirt fame (13/1/11).
“There are so many distractions in life that seem to take us away from what we all are wanting or needing for our lives. It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day noise (let’s call it white noise) that we end up spending all of our energy and time there instead of working on and towards all of those goals and dreams that we once thought were so important to us. That is why this year, 2011, you need to make a conscious decision to push past the past issues and on to living those future desires.
For me from a personal perspective 2010 was a shocker. But that being the case, unless I push past that, I won’t live the life I know I want and am capable of.
There comes a time in everyone’s lives that we all get frustrated with where we are at. For some it seems as though we have stopped growing. This is why we have to constantly ensure that we are expanding our comfort zones and not just living within the one we are currently in.
Human beings love being comfortable. We don’t like being put in a position where we are not in control for too long. This however, whilst it may be “secure”, is not that healthy. All of us are guilty of too often staying well within the boundaries of our comfort zone. How many times have you decided not to join something or start something because it was out of our comfort zone?
Whether in life or in business, you will eventually be faced with a situation or challenge that you will need to venture out of your comfort zone to complete. Now I know what you are thinking: ‘I only do things that I am comfortable with or comfortable completing’. How boring! The whole purpose of being on this planet is to excel. The only way to excel is to be trying new things and making ourselves better every day.
Imagine eating the same food for every meal every day, every week, every year for the rest of your life; let’s say meat and potatoes. While you would probably still live a long life, the essence of that life, without enjoying new taste sensations, would be quite dull. The same principle applies to our lives. If you only do the same-old, same-old every day, not trying new experiences, not allowing yourself to step out and be challenged, then sure, you may still live a life of some satisfaction, but wouldn’t it be great to get to the end of your life not regretting anything, not wishing ‘if only’?
When I was first asked to speak publicly a few years ago I came up with every excuse under the sun why I couldn’t do it. Mind you, I had always had the desire to impact people’s lives, so you would think that speaking to different crowds, some with thousands of delegates, would achieve that in a faster fashion. Nevertheless, I was in fear; this was way out of my comfort zone. Home many times have you had opportunities that have gone begging purely as a result of not stepping out and grabbing what should have been yours? Comfort zones are just that, comfortable, but try and step out of it once in a while and see what will happen.”
What have you changed this year to make your life great? Justin’s article resonated with me as I, too, had a less that wonderful year in 2010 so I decided to make a few changes. This year I’m working at two different places while also continuing with Kidz-Fiz-Biz. I’m planning two new Kidz-Fiz-Biz products for the parent market, which is tremendously exciting. I am going to Bangkok and Shanghai in June, Melbourne (for the ECCPA conference) in August and have started learning Mandarin. While my life is busy, it is never boring. I am always on the lookout for the interesting and different. I think what happened last year was that complacency had crept in. Nothing innovative can occur in that environment. I share this, as Justin has done, because to feel like this is human. To do something about it is scary. But when you do, it is so exciting.
Employment Opportunity
Looking for a part-time teaching opportunity? Love working with children? Love teaching music and movement? I am looking for people to train to run Kidz-Fiz-Biz classes. I have had 25 years in this industry (23 specifically with children) and want to start up more classes again due to ongoing demand. Good income and lots of fun. If this is something of interest to you now or in the future, please contact me at info@kidzfizbiz.com or phone 0410 642 781.
Quotes of the Week
“Impossible is not a fact…it is just an opinion.” ~ Justin Herald
“You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore” ~ Source Unknown
Entertainment
Enjoy these pictures of how absurd it really is to stay in that box! It really isn’t that comfortable, no matter how much you insist it is.
Feedback
Some comments from the PD at Connolly (Perth)
What was the most useful thing you learned today? –
“The different areas of child development that music can have a positive effect on.”
“All of it!”
“Many things – movement and using materials/objects.”
“Shorter daily sessions.”
“How to use new equipment and looking at resources that are available.”
“Everything was useful. I have some of the equipment already so it was great to see how to use it so creatively.”
“In movement activities always create ‘rest’ moments – break it up – just before children tire.”
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
Enjoying Kidz Newz?
Perhaps a friend or colleague would enjoy it too! Add their contact address and click “Forward”. (Be sure to include this entire message, including the subscription details) By doing this you will help us grow.
Looking for lots of ideas? Visit the Kidz Newz archive where you will find back issues of Kidz Newz.
Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our blog for more interesting information, articles and discussions or connect with Marlene on Linked In.
Until next time … continue being a legend in your classroom.
Marlene Rattigan, Editor
Kidz Newz
{tag_subscribe} if you would like to stop receiving these advices.
