The way you measure a society’s soul is by the way that it treats its children.
Nelson Mandela
Issue No. 127 – 2 April 2013
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
I hope you all had a safe and happy Easter break!
One Small Action, One Big Difference – Bringing Music to your Ears!
The following is from Maree Wrack’s newsletter, “Champagne Life on a Beer Budget”, and contains words of wisdom I’ve been expounding for years. Enjoy!
While chatting with my personal trainer and friend Wendy Townsend this week, we discussed the Small Actions that have made a BIG difference in her preparation to qualify in the Bikini Class…for the 2013 International Federation of Body Builders World Championships in Spain later this year.
Producing a top result!
In Wendy’s case there are all the obvious required actions to take regarding exercise and diet…and then there’s that all important mindset aspect.
The One Small Action that Wendy cited as making a BIG difference has been using music as part of her training regime.
I was reminded of attending a direct sales company conference a few years ago where I had the opportunity to listen to the number one salesperson nationally as he shared the secrets of his outstanding sales success. He maintained that one of the main reasons for his remarkable sales results…was listening to his favourite orchestral music at full volume in his car as he drove to each appointment. He played it to elevate his mood and shift his state so that he could be fully present during his sales call.
Elevate your mood in an instant!
Let’s face it, when we really stop to think about it, the music at any party can elevate our mood. Whether we’re a classical fan, a romantic, a fan of TV movies or Broadway soundtracks, pop, rap, hip-hop, rock, jazz, rhythm and blues or we’re a new age music fan, the mood created by the music can impact our emotions behind any action we’re taking. Sometimes we even purchase music so that we can have the opportunity to relive the experience at any time! It can transport us back to that earlier time and place. We can indulge in the nostalgia through mental pictures and the emotional aspects of that experience.
As a Herrmann Brain Dominance (HBDI) Practitioner, I’m fascinated by the research ** which shows that music taps both the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
According to this research:
- “the left side processes rhythm and lyrics;
- the right side listens for melodies, sounds, and harmonic relationships over time and
- music can be an effective tool for engaging both hemispheres.”
Music can have a powerful emotional effect and evoke visual imagery. It’s the soundtrack of the song ‘Hall of Fame’ sung by the group ‘The Script’ which has provided that effect for Wendy as part of her preparation for this weekend’s competition.
You may simply want to turn the music up to enjoy cleaning the house…it works exactly the same way!
It all comes down to One Small Action that makes a BIG difference!
Ant it’s really quite simple: Turn up the music that speaks to you!
Implementing this One Small Action will make One BIG Difference!
Posted on March 16, 2013 by Maree Wrack – www.champagnelifebeerbudget.com/blog
For more articles on the use of music to enhance your children’s learning, go to my website and look at some of the archived articles such as:
- The Importance of Using Music from Other Cultures (Kidz Newz #47)
- Singing in Schools (Kidz Newz #55)
- Some Strategies for Calming Children (Kidz Newz #64)
- Music Helps Parenting (Kidz Newz #107)
- Background Music in the Classroom (Kidz Newz #113)
If you are looking for music to stimulate, calm or engage your children, please browse the Kidz-Fiz-Biz website as there are loads of appropriate resources there.
Above all, play appropriate background music to accompany the activity you are doing. As Maree Wrack quite rightly points out, it could be the one small action that makes a big difference.
Kidz-Fiz-Biz Resources
If you want the children in your midst to have the best start in life, check out the Kidz-Fiz-Biz resources.
Wanting to attend a PD but not in Perth? Check out the Kidz-Fiz-Biz DVD Let’s Get Physical.
Quotes of the Week
“Where words fail, music speaks.” ~ Hans Christian Andersen
“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ~ Berthold Auerbach
Entertainment
“He has Van Gogh’s ear for music.” Billy Wilder
He broke into song because he couldn’t find the key.
Show me the piano falling down a mine shaft and I’ll show you A-flat miner.
Feedback
“I checked out your site and some archived newsletters; you’ve got a lot of really good material there. I like the common sense and musical truths that shine through your writing!
All the best to you, and thanks for your kind words.”
Michael Griffin
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.
