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What is the Massage In Schools Programme (MISP)?
The Massage in Schools Programme was created by two inspirational women: Mia Elmsater & Sylvie Hetu. The child-to-child massage programme has been developed as an inclusive whole school strategy for reducing children’s stress levels, aggression and bullying. The MISP is a well-structured yet simple programme.If you have a child leaving school with high self-esteem then the education system has achieved its greatest goal. The Massage In Schools Programme (MISP) helps with this objective.
Roger Brown, OFSTED Inspector, December 2005
The clothed, peer massage is:
- For children 4-12 years old
- Given and received with the child’s permission
- Given by the children, to each other
- On the back, head, arms and hands
- 10-15 minutes daily
- All children ask permission from each other before they start and say ‘thank you’ to their partner at the end.
The programme is an effective tool for improving child mental health and has had positive benefits for the children participating, such as improved concentration and increased confidence.
Children are empowered to make choices and they develop respect for the needs and feelings of others.
Members of the school community and parents are consulted before implementing the Massage in Schools Programme, which links to aspects of the school curriculum.
Positive touch activities also contribute to schools’ teaching and learning styles.The programme has been implemented in schools throughout the UK and many of them have reported the following benefits and effects:
Benefits of the Massage in Schools Programme
Studies and observations have shown that:
- Children become calmer and have improved concentration.
- Children have more confidence and increased self esteem
- It teaches children to respect others and leads to social inclusion
- There is a reduction in bullying and aggression
- Emotional health improves
- It helps children recognise ‘good’ and ‘bad’ touch
- Children show improved motor skills
- It encourages visualisation and kinaesthetic learning
- Children are encouraged to make choices
- Cooperation improves as children work in pairs and in groups
- There is a calmer classroom environment
- Massage is fun!
The MISP benefits children in many settings.Primary schools, special schools, children’s centres, nurseries, Montessori schools and nurture groups use it. It is also being used by after school clubs, Sure Start, Barnardo’s, the National Pyramid Trust and other organisations.
Children’s quotes:
I like doing the massage because it is calm and gentle.
Since starting the massage I do not get bullied because I am friendlier
When I give massage I feel good because I feel like I have helped someone relax.
Massage makes me feel happy and I have loads more friends
Since doing massage my handwriting is better.
Teacher’s quotes:
Children enjoy it very much.It creates a calm environment and children become more careful about the way they behave towards others. They are thoughtful and considerate. Parents and other staff can see the benefits.
Parent’s quotes:
Joe enjoys the massage sessions. He is very good at relieving headaches and stress when massaging me. He also massages his disabled sister.Parent of boy in year 5.
Please see www.massageinschools.com for further information about the founders of the MISP and the development of the international programme.Milly was very enthusiastic about the massage programme and loved to try out all the new moves. I enjoyed being her guinea pig! I liked the way each technique was given a 'child friendly' name.Parent of child in year 3.
