MISP
INSTRUCTORS
Massage in Schools Association Singapore
MISP in Schools!
The vision of the Massage in Schools Programme is that every child attending school experiences positive and nuturting touch everyday ... everywhere in the world.
The MISP Massage Routine
At the core of the programme is the basic MISP Massage Routine, a simple 15-stroke, fully clothed, child-to-child activity facilitated by a certified MISP Instructor. The routine was put together in a flowing movement that also incorporated the development of motor skills. The names of each of the 15 strokes are carefully thought through to evoke images in the minds of children, thus reinforcing their imagination. In today's modern world, children are given increasingly fewer opportunities to use their own imagination.
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The routine is typically done in pairs. Children take turns to massage each other on the head, neck, shoulders, arms and back. Children always ask, and are asked for their permission, before the massage routine begins and the giver says "Thank You" to the receiver at the end of the routine. This shows the children that they are respected, as well as encouraging them to respect their classmates.
Only children massage each other. Neither classroom teachers nor the MISP Instructor massage the children, nor do they demonstrate the routine on them. In this way, there will be no room to misinterpret the intentions of the adult bringing this programme to the children.
It's safe!
Everybody is included!
Currently in over 40 countries, the MISP was created for all children of all cultures and religious beliefs in mind. When practised in the classroom, all children can be involved. Some situations may require flexibility i.e. same gender only pairing. Regardless of the situation, each child is to be included
“I noticed that the quiet ones are beginning to open up and the hyperactive ones are more subdued and quiet now….”
Janice Yim, School Counsellor
How it works?
The 15-stroke massage routine is taught by a certified MISP Instructor over 4 to 6 sessions to children in a classroom setting, depending on the ages of the children. Each session may be approximately 20 to 30mins in duration. After the children have learnt all 15 strokes, the entire process where each child gives and receives the massage routine can be completed within 12 to 15mins on a regular basis. You may be invited to fill in observation forms pre and post implementation to chart the behavioural changes in the children.
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Details of the actual implementation duration and schedule varies from school to school, we encourage that you discuss in further detail with a MISP Instructor if you are interested in bringing this programme to your class/school.