The way you can measure a society’s soul is by the way that it treats its children.
Nelson Mandela
Issue No. 13 – 24th November 2005
Welcome to Kidz Newz especially to all new subscribers. This is a regular newsletter with information and teaching tips for anyone involved with young children. Please forward this to anyone you feel it may be of interest to.
Feedback is welcome.
My PD Updates
ASME Summer School – 16, 17, 18 January 2006 at John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School, Mirrabooka, WA.
ECCPA 2006 – 27, 28 May at Genazzano FCJ College Kew Melbourne. www.vosa.org
At the end of term, especially fourth term, teachers and carers can suffer from stress and frayed nerves. I came across this article on balance and thought I’d share it with you. Enjoy.
Simple ways to bring Jennifer Jefferies’ Sanity
balance into your workday Saver newsletter 29/8/05
In research commissioned by Grand United Corporate Health earlier this year, only six percent of people interviewed felt that they had a handle on work-life balance .Four out of five people said they were experiencing work-related stress at least once a week (I know some of you are thinking, ‘I wish I were stressed only once a week!’), and almost three-quarters of people said that a lack of time was their main challenge to leading a balanced life.
The way that many of us try to make up for this lack of time is to cram more and more in ‘ we figure if we work longer hours we’ll clear our in-tray and then we’ll have more time for a balanced life. But we all know it doesn’t work that way ‘ the in-tray never does clear’and we never do get around to creating and enjoying that more balanced life.
The way to create balance in life really is simple; it’s about getting back to some quick and easy lifestyle basics every day. Try one (or more) of these workday balance boosters.
Ten workday balance-boosters
- Remember that you are only human and give yourself permission to be a mere mortal. If you do find that you are not living up to your own expectations in any area of life, be glad that you noticed it, and correct your behaviour ‘ don’t beat yourself up.
- Drink a glass of water (or eight). Your body is made up of 70 per cent water and it needs to be constantly replenished ‘ 70 per cent of what you put into your mouth every day should be water.
- Take a breather. Breathing is what keeps you alive. Take a ‘fresh air’ break every hour and breathe deeply and slowly if you’re under pressure to break the stress cycle.
- Eat your lunch away from your desk every day this week and encourage your workmates to do the same ‘ you’ll all be more productive and energised from the break.
- Snack on almonds instead of biscuits and chocolate. Almonds are full of magnesium which is the mineral your nervous system needs in order to relax.
- Smile, go on, right now’big cheesy grin at the person next to you. Smiles are contagious, watch them smile right back at you, and you’ll both enjoy the day more!
- Be spontaneous ‘ call someone you love and tell them so. Yes, do it now!
- Understand that when you allow someone to help you, it helps them to feel needed and valued, so next time someone asks you if you need a hand, say. ‘Thank you’ and accept their help graciously.
- Drift away with some aromatherapy oils ‘ you’ll not only make your home or office smell great, but you’ll help everyone to be more relaxed as well.
- Leave work on time today ‘ go home and enjoy your family and friends.
Quote of the Week
Make up your mind not merely to overcome a thousand obstacles, but to win in spite of a thousand defeats. Shelley Taylor-Smith
Entertainment
What is greater than God, More evil than the devil, The poor have it, The rich need it, And if you eat it, you’ll die?
See next week’s newsletter for the answer to this riddle. Apparently young children are better at answering this than adults. You might like to ask your class.
Feedback
We really valued having explicit instructions on how to make the ribbon sticks. We have had them made and the children are using them during music time in simple activities such as swirling above the head like helicopters, swirling in front of them and at their sides. The colours are gorgeous and great sensory feedback.
We have used some of your music such as Peter Rabbit, Tapping sticks (both songs) which are very popular, and Run Jump and Spin.
We have purchased these resources in the last few months and are really enjoying the new ideas.
Mich’le Spreckley
Physiotherapist
Uncle Bobs Child Development Centre
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 has 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
57 Henry Lawson Walk, East Perth WA 6004
T: +61 8 9325 1204 M: 0410 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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