The way you measure a society’s soul is by the way that it treats its children.
Nelson Mandela
Kidz Newz #181 – 24th August 2020
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I know I said I was retiring but I will keep going, slowly, until the end of the calendar year.
What Matters?
Amid all the fear, hysteria, paranoia and conspiracy theories that seem to flood our inboxes lately, it is heartening to read uplifting posts that put back some perspective. I came across a couple just today that I want to share.
The first is from French author, Albert Camus, who said –
‘In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love. In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile. In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm. I realized, through it all, that in the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.’
The other is from anthropologist, Margaret Mead who, when asked what was the first sign of civilization in a culture, replied –
‘The first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.
A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts.’
And so in answer to the question, ‘What Matters?’ it is obvious that a clear perspective is what matters in order to rise above the nonsense that currently surrounds us. Added to this is a strong sense of compassion and understanding. Rather than jumping up and down complaining and criticising everyone and everything, protesting that our civil liberties are being violated, we should be asking ourselves what we are doing to help. Crises such as the world is facing right now can bring out the best in us and the worst in us. It is our choice how we want to react. The media will focus on the worst situations because that sells news. We should not be so naïve as to think otherwise.
I will leave you with my favourite quote about perspective which is from Mr Curly of Footrot Flats who, when Vasco Pajama asks him what’s worth doing and what’s worth having, responds, ‘It’s worth doing nothing and having a rest.’ (Thanks to Michael Leunig – many a true word spoken in jest.)
A Request Please
As I plan on closing down the website at the end of the calendar year, I would like to clear stocks of my remaining books – Kidz-Fiz-Biz Multicultural and Scarf Magic (packs and CDs available). I don’t want to just throw them out but would like other teachers, parents and friends with children to benefit from them, so if you have any facebook groups, teacher groups or parent groups you belong to, I would appreciate it very much if you could plug my resources for me. Just a line about music and movement resources available for children and my website so they can contact me for details is enough – www.kidzfizbiz.com. I would be most grateful.
In the meantime, if you still want resources for yourself, now is the time to get in touch and see how I can help. No ‘deals’ will appear on the website. You need to email me at – info@kidzfizbiz.com.
ECE State Conference in Perth 19 & 20 June 2020 has now been postponed to 30 & 31 October
Move to Learn Mats
Winsome Richards from Move to Learn in WA has some wonderful mats that you may like to look at for use with your children. Click here.
Quotes of the Week
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead
Children must be taught how to think, not what to think. Margaret Mead
I was wise enough never to grow up, while fooling people into believing I had. Margaret Mead
Laughter is man’s most distinctive emotional expression. Margaret Mead
Testimonials
Being a non-music person I thoroughly enjoyed the session, felt the incorporation of OT and music very practical and can see wonderful ways of integrating into other curriculum areas incorporating rich, oral language.
Justine Daly, Peel Language Development School Manager, Statewide Speech & Language Team.
I’m using your books at the moment- dinosaurs & oceans. The kids love them. Pene Irvine
My kindy kids loved playing with the scarves. They are beautiful. Thanks very much.
GEORGE Moira [Clifton Park Primary School]
Entertainment
Just to show that you’re never too old to make beautiful music – watch a 92-year old Ginger Rogers – wait ’til you see this!!
To all of you younger people….. this lady was a headline dancer way, way, way back in the 1930’s and 1940’s. She is 92 and her great grandson 29 – watch them dance!
Don’t give up after the first minute…that is the teaser. Remember, he is 29; she is 92! Click here and enjoy!
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 conferences. 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 9355 4890 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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