The Massage In
Schools Programme
The
Massage in Schools Programme (MISP) was introduced in
December 2000 and is being used in schools in the UK and
Republic of Ireland. It is a massage programme to help
eleviate stress and anxiety in schools, leading to calmer
children, less aggression, positive touch and less
bullying.
Catherine trained as an official instructor in Windsor in
2006 and is a member
of the Massage In Schools Association. The Massage in
Schools Association supports Instructors trained with the
Massage in Schools Programme (MISP), a peer massage
programme for children of primary school age.
The Massage in Schools Association is a member of the
Anti-Bullying Alliance.
The Massage In Schools Programme is:
• for children 4-12 years old
• given by the children, to each other on the back, head,
arms and hands
• given and received with the child's permission
• 10-15 minutes in length
A
unique Tool for Schools
The Massage In
Schools Programme is an easy, quick and effective tool to
help improve children’s quality of life in school. The
intention is to give children the chance to experience
nurturing touch at school in a safe way. The Massage In
Schools Programme will enable the children to interact
differently. The MISP embraces the deep nature of the child
and is an effective way to reach many educational goals.
Teachers will have another tool to bring life into the
school’s curriculum in a way that respects the nature of
children as well as having a proven strategy for instilling
a calm environment.
The Massage In Schools programme develops nurturing touch
in a school setting. It is based on respect and
involves a formal massage routine and related activities.
You are probably aware of the benefits of massage itself.
The benefits are there for children too. ALL children
benefit; MISP is an inclusive programme which is aimed at a
'whole school approach'. Children who lack concentration
and confidence and children who may be rather aggressive
show the most change. In some schools the massage is used
specifically with children who have special needs.
Studies and
observations of the MISP have shown that:
•
children have
more confidence
• children become calmer
• children have improved concentration
• there is a reduction in bullying and aggression
• children are happier at school
• it helps children recognise 'good' and 'bad' touch
• children develop better motor skills
• it teaches children to respect themselves and others
• teachers can benefit from calmer classrooms &
improved listening skills
• massage is fun! And can be adapted to the curriculum
• it teaches social skills
How Is The
Massage Introduced?
There are two aspects of this programme. First there is the
basic routine of the massage strokes which is taught by
Catherine, the certified MISP instructor, with the help of
the class teacher, over the course of a week or several
weeks depending on the class schedule. The entire massage
routine takes no more than 10 minutes when well mastered by
the children.
The class teacher can then utilise this massage routine at
whatever time during the school day he or she feels it will
be of most benefit for the children and the well-being of
the classroom; our experiences show that the first thing in
the morning is an excellent time, as it helps the children
get their day off to a good start, allowing them to be more
relaxed and attentive. We also noticed that the children
are on time in the mornings if they know they are going to
get a massage. Children feel secure by something that is
repetetive; the same way at the same time.
This routine, within a few weeks, becomes ‘second nature’
to them, making it very easy for the teachers to have the
children perform the routine without any chaos in the
classroom. It is common for children to take the massage
routines they have learnt ‘home’ with them and introduce
massage to their siblings and parents; parents are
encouraged to participate in this form of therapeutic touch
with their children and ‘home- sheets’ are available for
parents who are interested in learning more.
The second aspect of the programme brings the idea of
adding touch and movement to all school curriculum
subjects. Massage stories and touch activities can also be
developed with the class teacher, to aid kinaesthetic
learning in other curriculum areas.
In the Massage In Schools Programme, children massage each
other; adults never massage the children. Furthermore, the
child's permission is always sought before the massage
begins, and any child not wanting to partake in the
programme is invited to sit with the teacher and 'mime' the
massage strokes or to take time out from the class and
quietly read a book or do some colouring.
The Massage In
Schools Programme offers the following benefits:
•
It’s a positive model for emotional health and well being
• Provides a positive tool against bullying
• Helps children receive and give nurturing touch,
bringing the associated benefits of massage
• Enables children to feel good about themselves, raising
self esteem
• Encourages an environment of care and respect
• Teaches the difference between positive touch and
negative, inappropriate touch.
• An inclusive programme that embraces all abilities,
faiths and races
• Encourages and sustains creative and fun approaches to
learning.
• Encourages children to learn from each other and work
together
• Supports the learning of subjects from across the
curriculum
How Does Massage
Link To The Curriculum?
The Massage In
Schools Programme can form part of the Personal, Health,
Social and Citizenship education at KS1 and KS2 and may
contribute to the Healthy Schools Award, especially in the
area of emotional health and well-being. It can also be
used as part of the positive behaviour strategy. Simple
stories and rhymes can be used so that children have fun
and can be creative around all curriculum subjects. The
MISP reinforces the concept of 'respect' for self and
others. The programme also contributes to Social and
Emotional Aspects of Learning, the objectives of Every
Child Matters and the Extended Schools programmes.
To
enquire about introducing the
Massage In Schools Programme to your school
please contact Catherine on
01458
835747
or
email me
History of the Massage in Schools
Programme:
Using
massage in schools is quite a new concept in modern day
society. Although massage, in some native and traditional
cultures, is as old as mankind itself. It is only in the
past century that science has been able to explain the
benefits of massage. When the profession of massage
therapist became recognised in modern society, studies
regarding massage began to emerge everywhere. These studies
give credibility to the practice of massage itself as a
tool for health, stress management and well being. The
Massage In Schools Programme (MISP) was officially founded
in 2000 by Mia Elmsater from Sweden and Sylvie Hetu from
Canada. Their ultimate vision is that there will be
thousands of MISP instructors and hundreds of MISP
Trainers, all teaching the program, all sharing their
dedication with love so that the nurturing touch will
become a way of life for children in all schools,
world-wide.
‘Since the early 1990’s we have been bringing the ideas of
practising massage, nurturing touch and the notion of touch
and movement linked to learning processes to day-care
centres, pre-schools and schools. We realised how important
it was to spread the use of healthy touch in the school
system and from this realisation, the Massage In Schools
Programme was born’.
Mia Elmsater, Sweden, and Sylvie Hetu, Canada
www.massageinschools.com
Teacher’s quotes about the MISP:
'Children have learnt how to respect each other and be
polite'
'Children have enjoyed working with all their peers'
'It calms children after lunch so they are ready for the
afternoon session'
'It encourages tactile learning. It supports our
anti-bullying policy'
'Children are more caring to each other,
especially those who have not shown this side of their
nature'
'Incidents of ‘negative touch’ have definitely decreased
since establishing the massage daily. Some strong
relationships have formed between massage partners who
would not otherwise have been friends'
"The children showed less aggressive behaviour within a
very short space of time."
(Teacher)
"Since starting the massage I no longer get bullied"
(Student)
" I now have loads of friends"
(Boy - 7 years)
“It has increased her confidence and respect for other
people"
(Parent of year 2 girl)
"Massage helps me feel calm and relaxed"
(Girl - 9 years)
"Fracas became minimal and children were no longer being
sent to my office with disruptive playground incidences."
(Headteacher)
To enquire about the Massage In Schools Programme,
please contact Catherine on
01458
835747
or
email me
Indigo Holistics - Complementary Therapist - Catherine
Dempsey
Dip ITEC, (Anatomy & Physiology, Massage,
Aromatherapy), Dip Richdales (Traditional Thai Yoga
Massage)., Dip SAC (Crystal Healing),
Relax Kids Teacher, Member of the Complementary Therapists
Association, Massage In Schools Association, AC
Registered.
