The way you measure a society’s soul is by the way that it treats its children.
Nelson Mandela
Kidz Newz #161 – 20 July 2017
Welcome to Kidz Newz, especially all new subscribers – including those from the recent ASME national conference in Melbourne. 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.
ASME Conference Winner
I am pleased to announce that at last week’s ASME National Conference in Melbourne, Curtis Goodfellow was the winner of the kidz-fiz-biz prize, consisting of a kidz-fiz-biz Multicultural Book and a Scarf Magic Pack.
Congratulations Curtis!
Who’s Listening When You Think No one Is?
One of the many hats I wear is that of editor and proof-reader. While in Melbourne last week I caught up with a client whose book has just been launched. She posted an amazing and insightful comment on LinkedIn which I want to share because as teachers, it is not only the children in our midst that we are having an effect on. Our reach can be far wider. Make sure you leave a positive impression as you never know who is watching and listening! I reproduce Carolyn’s lovely comments here, with permission –
“About 10 years ago I was speaking at an event in Melbourne and this lovely woman Marlene was in the audience. To be honest, I don’t even recall the event or meeting Marlene. She’s been on my newsletter mailing list all that time, followed my travels to France and read my books. Then earlier this year, I sent out the sampler of The Purpose Project to my mailing list and Marlene who is a whizz editor amongst many other things, took it upon herself to connect with me and provide some polite suggested edits. So, long story short, she ended up editing the whole manuscript! This week she was in Melbourne over from Perth and I gave her a copy of the finished product. I feel a bit teary writing that. For ten long years I had no idea that Marlene had been following me or that my work had inspired her (she’s done some pretty cool stuff in her life too). The point is that you never know who is watching or listening or who you are impacting (negatively or positively). We are each creating a ripple effect on others. What we do each day at home and at work really does matter. We owe it to ourselves, and to others, to be the best version of ourselves.“
So there you have it. I can relate to Carolyn’s sentiments as sometimes out of the blue at events or via email, someone will connect and say how much they enjoy reading my newsletters and always feel inspired by them! I am gratified anyone reads them at all! You have no idea who is watching from afar and it is always lovely when people see you in a positive light. Back to Carolyn though, do get hold of her new book, and perhaps get hold of Unstuck in Provence too. That’s an amazing adventure!
Go Here to buy a copy of The Purpose Project
Teachers Making a Difference
While you are in the mood for buying books, you might like to consider the ‘What My Favourite Teacher Taught Me’ series available from the kidz-fiz-biz website. I wrote an article for the 3rd book.
Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble (see newsletter # 159)
I have just seen that this documentary is now available from fishpond.com.au so you can probably buy it from other online or retail stores as well. Highly recommended. Just make sure you buy the one for your region. Region 4 is Australia.
Quotes of the Week
The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.
-Pablo Picasso (one of many quotes in Carolyn’s book)
We were born with a calling to do great work and make a difference, but after years of industrialisation and indoctrination, it’s been repressed ad we’ve been diverted away from realising our true gifts. We haven’t unearthed what we’re here to create, so we end up doing work that depletes us instead of completes us.
-Carolyn Tate
Testimonials
What was the most useful thing you learned today? (EYES 2016 Perth)
- Scarf play.
- Remembering to incorporate music with movement.
- Specific activities/exercises to incorporate into daily fitness.
- New movement ideas and possible extensions of them. As a new graduate it was all wonderful.
- How many concepts can be developed/taught through scarves.
- All of it!
- Finger-plays.
- The importance and great ideas for boys.
- I am encouraged to use the scarves for drama play.
- How to use a scarf.
Entertainment
Enjoy this short video on what matters in life. It relates well to Carolyn’s Purpose Project. You have probably heard it before as the concept comes from Stephen Covey. Enjoy! Click here to download the video.
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 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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