The
Massage-In-Schools Programme
(MISP)
The Massage in Schools Programme (MISP) was introduced in
the UK in December 2000 and is now being used in schools
throughout the country and the Republic of Ireland. It is a
fun massage programme to help elevate stress and anxiety in
schools, leading to calmer children, less aggression,
positive touch and less bullying
"The children showed less aggressive behaviour within a
very short space of time." (Teacher)
The clothed
massage 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 only
"Since starting the massage I no longer get bullied"
(Student)
What are the
Benefits of a Massage in School
Programme?
Studies and observations 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
• the teacher can benefit from a calmer classroom and
improved listening skills
• massage is fun! And can be adapted to the curriculum
• it teaches social skills
" I now have loads of friends"
(Boy - 7 years)
The Massage in
Schools Programme ……A unique tool!
The Massage In Schools Programme is an easy, quick and
effective tool to 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
MISP 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.
Which Groups
of Children Would It Suit Best?
ALL children benefit.
It 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.
“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)
How Is The
Massage Introduced?
The
Instructor Catherine teaches the children the daily massage
routine; she has completed the Massage In Schools Programme
training and is an official instructor. Massage stories and
touch activities can also be developed to aid kinaesthetic
learning in other curriculum areas. The teacher or
classroom facilitator can then utilise this massage routine
at whatever time during the school day that he or she feels
it will be of most benefit for the children and the
wellbeing of the classroom. It is common for children to
take the massage routines they have learnt ‘home’ with them
and introduce them to their siblings and their parents; it
is useful to encourage parents to participate in this form
of therapeutic touch with their children and ‘home-work
sheets’ for Parents are available for parents who are
interested.
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. The entire
massage routine takes no more than 10 minutes when well
mastered by the children. The teacher is encouraged to
choose the best time for themselves and the children; our
experiences show that the first thing in the morning is an
excellent time, as it helps them get their day off to a
good start, it helps the children relax and be more
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 chaos.
The second aspect of the programme brings the idea of
adding touch and movement to all school curriculum
subjects. In the MISP, children massage each other. Adults
do not massage the children. We then believe that there is
no possibility of misinterpreting the intention of the
adults in bringing proper, healthy, nurturing touch in
classrooms under the MISP.
How Does
Massage Link To The Curriculum?
It 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.
The Vision of the Massage In Schools Programme:
That
every child attending school experience positive and
nurturing touch every day . . . everywhere in the
world.
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. In the school
environment, there are more benefits which have been
observed and acknowledged by many teachers and educators
with experience using massage in their classrooms.
History of
Massage in Schools and 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 therapists became
recognised in modern society, studies regarding massage
began to emerge everywhere. The 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 the year 2000 by Mia Elmsater from Sweden and
Sylvie Hetu from Canada. Both believe in the contagious
effect of a credible, well-structured yet simple program.
It is with this spirit that they combined their experiences
to create MISP. They also believe in the principle that a
shared common core curriculum as a solid base is necessary
for a program to be successful. This solid base can also
serve as a tool to help credibility and professionalism to
become an integral part of the ethos of the program. 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
The MISP
offers much more, including 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, healthy 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
Teacher’s
quotes:
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 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. Catherine Dempsey is an instructor for the
Massage-In-Schools Programme and is a member of the Massage
In Schools Association.
To enquire about
the Massage In Schools Programme, please contact Catherine
on
01458
835747
or
email me
Indigo Holistics - Complementary Therapist - Catherine
Dempsey-Williams
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.
