The way you measure a society’s soul is by the way that it treats its children.
Nelson Mandela
Kidz Newz #171 – 7 December 2018
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When Experts Get It Wrong
As teachers, we are expected to be the fonts of all knowledge where children are concerned. From a parent’s perspective, guidance is often needed and so there is an unwritten expectation that teachers will make suggestions to parents when required. That doesn’t mean teachers are interfering. Quite the contrary. Teachers are often reluctant to make suggestions as they may feel a situation is beyond their scope as teachers but often parents simply don’t know when something is inappropriate. Like diet. I believe teachers could gently advise without causing offence. And this happens all the time, fortunately. But when professional help is sought and is inappropriate, what is the parent to do?
I am referring to a conversation I had recently with a parent whose child was deemed underweight and sent to a dietician who told the mother to give the child ice-cream daily and put a bag of potato crisps in his school lunch daily. Yes, really! Naturally, I was horrified. Not only are there plenty of ways for a child to get extra calories from healthy food – root vegetables, avocadoes, pasta dishes, fruit, milk, yoghurt, bread – but more importantly, what unhealthy messages are the child and parent getting because this advice comes from a professional whose advice we should accept? There could be long-term reliance on unhealthy foods, those that contain chemicals, sugar, excess salt and bad fats, but also the view that these foods are acceptable on a daily basis – because the expert said so! Just consider for a moment the long-term health implications of eating junk food daily. Children need to form good habits.
I asked the mother what she intended doing and fortunately her response was, ‘Nothing.’ She told me her eldest boy had had a similar ‘problem’ when he was that age but after puberty he started to put on weight (muscle weight), continued with his sporting activities and was very healthy. I was relieved. What a sensible mother!
At this time of year we all eat way too much of all those Christmas goodies but that is the whole point. Like party food at any time of year, it is occasional, not daily. It is not what you do occasionally that does you any harm but what you do daily that matters. As my mother used to say, ‘A little bit of what you fancy does you good.’ Yes, Mum, that’s right. A little bit occasionally. It wouldn’t be special if we had it all the time.
And on that note, have a wonderful Christmas break wherever in the world you are.
Only One Week Left for our Christmas Specials!
I have new stocks of scarves and will keep them at the same price, despite the increase in price by the wholesalers, so if you are in need of a set, this is the cost –
Class set (20 children’s scarves, teacher’s scarf, carry bag) – normally $155.00. NOW $137.50!
Additional scarves can be purchased for $4.00 each.
Bundle Special!
Purchase all 3 kidz-fiz-biz books/CDs/DVD for $99.00! (RRP $197.50)
All orders post free within Australia.
Please contact me directly for these specials as they will not appear on the website – info@kidzfizbiz.com
Quotes of the Week
If I succeed in business, but fail as a father, then I’ve failed. – Mark Wahlberg
The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it,
but that it is too low and we reach it. – Michelangelo
The road to success has few travellers, because so many get lost trying to find short cuts. (unknown)
No-one cares how much you know until they know how much you care. (unknown)
Testimonials
ASME Melbourne July 2017 – What was the most useful thing you learnt today?
Relaxation/Calming activities/Calming down at the end
Scarves/ribbon sticks/relaxation at the end
Different songs to use with classes
Reinforcing that different languages can work well. A good range and balance of activities.
Strength, exercise and movement all help music and worth spending dedicated time on.
Scarves, ribbons and rainbow ring – would have like more time on these.
Entertainment
An Italian grandmother is giving directions to her grown grandson who is coming for a Christmas visit with his wife.
“You comma to de front door of the apartmenta.
I am inna apartmenta 301
There issa bigga panel at the front door.
With you elbow, pusha button 301.
I will buzza you in.
Come inside, the elevator is on the right.
Get in, and with you elbow, pusha 3.
When you get out, I’mma on the left.
With you elbow, hit my doorbell.”
“Grandma, that sounds easy, but, why am I hitting all these buttons with my elbow?”
“What. You coming empty handed?”
And for those who have a couple of minutes to watch this divine video, enjoy! Click here
It is from ABC Rural compiled by cinematographer Chris Tangey from drone footage.
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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