The Massage in Schools Programme
The Massage in Schools Programme (MISP) is an evidence-based, child to child internationally respected massage programme.
The programme was created by Mia Elmsäter from Sweden and Sylvie Hetu from Canada as a result of their combined passion to ensure that every child in the world experiences positive, nurturing touch every day.
The MISP is designed to be used in Schools, after-school clubs and at home with the family.
How it works:
A fun, daily 10-15 minute adult-led peer massage routine.
Massage is given only by children to other children.
Massage is given over clothes and only to the back, neck, head, arms and hands.
Massage is received and given only with the child's permission.
MISP is an inclusive programme for children aged 2-12 years old.
MISP encourages learning through positive touch games and activities and by creating massage stories.
Studies and observations have shown that children experience a variety of benefits as a result of taking part in the MISP.
Some of the benefits for children include:
-Children become calmer
-They have more confidence
-They have improved concentration and memory
-Children develop better motor skills
-Children learn to recognise ‘good’ and ‘bad’ touch
-Children learn to respect themselves and others
-There is a reduction in bullying and aggressive behaviour
Some of the benefits for teachers and their schools include:
-Creates a safe and happy learning environment
-Fosters physical development through creative, kinaesthetic motor skills
-Teaches children to respect themselves and others
-Increases social inclusion and empathy
-Enables children to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate touch
-Has resulted in a significant reduction in bullying and aggression
-An inclusive activity enjoyed by children that engages with the diverse needs of all the pupils
-An excellent way to help children with additional needs e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome
-Enhances a school's mission statement and ethos
The vision of the MISP is that every child attending school experiences positive and nurturing touch every day, everywhere in the world.
If you would like to know more about the MISP or are thinking about introducing the programme into your school or nursery, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, it would be lovely to talk to you.
I am indebted to Sylvie Hetu for being my International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) trainer on the first training in the UK in 1997 and I am equally indebted to Mia Elmsater for being my Massage In Schools Programme trainer (MISP) on the first training in the UK in 2001.
The programme was created by Mia Elmsäter from Sweden and Sylvie Hetu from Canada as a result of their combined passion to ensure that every child in the world experiences positive, nurturing touch every day.
The MISP is designed to be used in Schools, after-school clubs and at home with the family.
How it works:
A fun, daily 10-15 minute adult-led peer massage routine.
Massage is given only by children to other children.
Massage is given over clothes and only to the back, neck, head, arms and hands.
Massage is received and given only with the child's permission.
MISP is an inclusive programme for children aged 2-12 years old.
MISP encourages learning through positive touch games and activities and by creating massage stories.
Studies and observations have shown that children experience a variety of benefits as a result of taking part in the MISP.
Some of the benefits for children include:
-Children become calmer
-They have more confidence
-They have improved concentration and memory
-Children develop better motor skills
-Children learn to recognise ‘good’ and ‘bad’ touch
-Children learn to respect themselves and others
-There is a reduction in bullying and aggressive behaviour
Some of the benefits for teachers and their schools include:
-Creates a safe and happy learning environment
-Fosters physical development through creative, kinaesthetic motor skills
-Teaches children to respect themselves and others
-Increases social inclusion and empathy
-Enables children to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate touch
-Has resulted in a significant reduction in bullying and aggression
-An inclusive activity enjoyed by children that engages with the diverse needs of all the pupils
-An excellent way to help children with additional needs e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome
-Enhances a school's mission statement and ethos
The vision of the MISP is that every child attending school experiences positive and nurturing touch every day, everywhere in the world.
If you would like to know more about the MISP or are thinking about introducing the programme into your school or nursery, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, it would be lovely to talk to you.
I am indebted to Sylvie Hetu for being my International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) trainer on the first training in the UK in 1997 and I am equally indebted to Mia Elmsater for being my Massage In Schools Programme trainer (MISP) on the first training in the UK in 2001.
Massage in Schools Programme (http://misa.org.uk/) |