MISP
INSTRUCTORS
Massage in Schools Association Singapore
Unique child-centred programme
The Massage in Schools Programme (MISP) is an international programme of positive touch and clothed peer massage (child to child massage) for children of 4-12 years. This successful programme, developed by Mia Elmsäter (Sweden) and Sylvie Hétu (Canada), was first introduced in England in 2000 and uses peer massage, story massage and kinesthetic learning to help all children including those with learning disabilities and additional needs i.e. ADHD, Asperger’s, Dyslexia and Autism to reduce aggressive behaviours and increase learning, social and listening skills.
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 recognized 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.
For 4 to 12 years old
When the co-founders put this programme together, they discussed, in depth, which ages would be suitable. The study of child development as well as their respective experiences in pre-school, day care centres and schools led them to the range of 4-12 years old. Instructors in training are well informed in understanding the reasons why we focus on this age range.
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.
Implementation
The Massage in Schools Programme can be implemented in a school setting or a family setting. The method of implementation varies according to the setting i.e. to a class of children or a parent-child class. MISP Instructors who have taken the 2 day MISP Instructor Training are trained to implement the programme in different settings. Contact us or Find an Instructor today if you are interested in a MISP class.
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Read on to find out how the programme is implemented in schools or for families!