MASSAGE IN SCHOOLS PROGRAMME (MISP)
The Massage in Schools Programme (MISP) is a unique, child-centered massage programme that’s helping children all over the globe.
Our Mission
The mission of the Massage in Schools Programme is to provide high quality and professional training to all teachers and caring adults willing to bring nurturing touch into schools, and the community at large.
Our Vision
The vision of the Massage in Schools Programme is that every child attending school and day-to-day life experience positive and nurturing touch every day…everywhere in the world.
The History of the Massage in Schools Programme
The Massage in Schools Programme (MISP) was officially founded in the year 2000 by Mia Elmsäter from Sweden and Sylvie Hétu 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.
A New Concept
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.
MISP for Children from 4-12 years old
When the founders put this programme together they discussed, in depth, which ages would be suitable. The study of child development as well as our respective experiences in pre-school, day care centres and schools led us to the range of 4-12 years old. Instructors in training are well informed in understanding the reasons why they focus on this age range.
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
7-10 minutes daily
*Massage is only given child-child. The only adult allowed to massage the child would be the child's parents.
So far the programme has had great success for children as well as for their parents and teachers. And why is that so? Because human beings need touch for their healthy development.
Children doing the simple routine of our programme lower their stress levels, increasing their chance for better concentration at school and better sleep at home.
We are glad that you show interest and hope you will join the growing team of people dedicated to bring nurturing touch into schools.
Where in the World is MISP?
Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada/Québec, Canada/British Columbia, Canada/Ontario, Chile, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, Guadeloupe, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, USA, Venezuela
“To say that the growing child is affected by her environment is rather an understatement; she is affected by the impressions of the world as deeply as she is affected by the substance of the world…Making sense of the world begins with the sense of touch.”
~Martyn Rawson and Michael Rose
What are the benefits of massage?
Studies and observations have shown that:
· Children become calmer
· Children have improved concentration
· Children have more confidence
· It helps children recognise ‘good’ and ‘bad’ touch
· Children develop better motor skills
· It teaches children to respect themselves and others
· There is a reduction in bullying and aggression
· A teacher can benefit from a calmer classroom & improved concentration
· Massage is fun!
Massage therapists have also developed massage approaches for individuals with special needs, young children in pre-school, and elderly people living in nursing homes. It is only recently that massage was introduced in schools. It has been done at local levels by individuals searching for ways to help the well-being of children at schools.
Various authors have written books on massage for children. Some of these approaches were for therapeutic reasons and some were developed for massaging children in hospitals. Others were developed for the nurturing touch and the enjoyment of massage, and many times the parents were included.
The idea of children massaging each other was slowly brought to consciousness by individuals who saw that there are amazing ways of improving relationships and social skills among children.
A Better Society
Too many students do not thrive. The day when all children experience school as being positive, has yet to come. It is our task, as adults responsible for raising children, to continue seeking solutions.
Where to start seems to be a challenge in itself, and there are many angles from which this issue can be seen. Of course, the Massage in Schools Programme does not even to try to embrace all the angles. However, as any journey begins with one step, we have a step to propose. That step finds its basis in human nature. No matter what background, culture or social conditions people come from, we all share a common element that is part of human nature. Careful observation of human nature can lead us to an understanding of who we are and what we need to satisfy our potential.
- Could more nurturing touch between human beings lead us to a better society?
- Could using nurturing touch consciously and deliberately while raising children lead to a better society?
- If nurturing touch became the norm and a natural way of relating to one another, would that lead to a better society?
From research and studies on touch, from our personal experiences, from observation and from pure intuition, we have come to believe that promoting nurturing touch should be experienced by all people in all stages of their life. We believe that massage in schools and the encompassing of nurturing touch and respect among children, can be seen as a tool for a better society.
Our ultimate vision is that there will be thousands of MISP instructors and hundreds of MISP Trainers, all teaching the programme, all sharing their dedication with love so that the nurturing touch will become a way of life for children in all schools, world-wide.
We now know that nurturing touch is an important need. We believe that if nurturing touch is brought into the educational arena, it might become an important step towards a resolution of the crisis that education is facing. We hope that you will consider the matter as urgent and consider the importance of reversing the wheel immediately. It is our responsibility to create a new movement. Together we can do it!
Visit MISP Instructor's Training for more training near you or request for a training in your city/country.
More info please visit www.massageinschools.com
