Adding a multi-sensory dimension to storytelling brings a greater sense of engagement, communication and enjoyment for many children and adults. This blog post shows how sensory props and sensory approaches can work alongside the Story Massage Programme to create a fully inclusive and magical experience.
Many nurseries, schools and colleges are continuing the Story Massage Programme by teaching self-massage on hands and arms. Compliant with social distancing, beneficial for well-being… and a fun and creative activity that can be combined with curriculum topics.
We are delighted to be Associate Sponsors of World Nursery Rhyme Week 2020 (November 16th to 20th). The Story Massage Programme of positive touch strokes works wonderfully with favourite nursery rhymes so it is an ideal collaboration.
After completing our online course, you have the option of becoming a Story Massage Instructor. Here are some answers to your questions.
You only need this extra certificate if you are an independent practitioner/therapist planning to gain insurance to run Story Massage groups such as sessions in schools, family groups, after-school clubs, library sessions or Baby Story Massage groups. Once you have gained your Story Massage Instructor Certificate this can be sent to your insurers. The course is accredited by FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists).
Please note this is not a qualification to train others to use the Story Massage Programme in the workplace. There are only two Story Massage Programme trainers – Mary Atkinson and Sandra Hooper.
The Story Massage Programme online course is a CPD course. In order to gain a Story Massage Instructor certificate you will need to have a qualification that includes a component in sharing massage, reflexology or yoga with groups of children or families. Some of the recognised qualifications that fulfil the criteria are below but please contact us as others may also be accepted:
MISP (Massage in Schools Programme), Impact (Kind Hands) or Relax Kids Coach
Light Touch Reflexology for Babies, Toddlers and Children or Baby Reflex
Infant Massage Instructor or Baby Massage Instructor
Baby Yoga Instructor or ITEC Diploma in Infant and Child Massage
Please note: All adults working with children or vulnerable adults require an enhanced DBS certificate (Disclosure and Barring Service) or equivalent. Therapists are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct and Professional Practice of their professional organisation.
Communication and social interaction are key benefits of the Story Massage Programme at Ty Gwyn Special School in Cardiff. The school is now a Centre of Excellence and has been using the programme effectively with pupils with PMLD and autism for over two years. We talk to Hollie Parsons, senior teaching assistant, who says: “The Story Massage Programme has made a real difference to our pupils and we use it regularly whenever and wherever we can.” Continue reading
We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the Story Massage Programme during lockdown. It seems that many people are discovering the benefits for the first time, whilst others are happily rediscovering them! And many more are saying that massage stories have been ‘life-saving’, ‘the total highlight’, ‘a real blessing’, ‘heaven sent’. So we have gathered together some photos to show just a few of the ways the programme has brought fun, connection and comfort.
Gemma from Me & My Wellbeing has run two blocks of four week Story Massage, Movement and Song Online sessions via Zoom. These have been attended by those families who were regulars at her Story Massage face-to-face groups. She says they have appreciated being able to connect during lockdown. The toddlers responded really well as they were used to the massage strokes.
Stephanie, a nurture teacher at Glenboig Primary School, led online Story Massage sessions for the whole school. She was amazed at how many families joined in and said it was a wonderful way of bringing everyone together when they were so far apart.
Megan has been enjoying massage stories with her mum, Emma, who says she does the story as a massage story then follows it with sensory props. Here’s Megan holding a yellow balloon to give the feeling of the sun in a Seaside Walk massage story.
We’ve been delighted to hear how many people have stepped right out of their comfort zone to record videos for children at home. Here’s Verna, a teaching assistant from Hawthorns School with her trusty teddy all dressed up for an Under the Sea themed massage story. We’ve heard from families who have really appreciated these videos and home-school partnership through the Story Massage Programme.
Dotty, the rabbit, looks very chilled under Luella’s nurturing touch. And she is not the only pet to relax with massage stories – we have had positive feedback from owners of dogs, cats and even horses!
Leigh from The Little Wellness Company has been demonstrating massage stories with her daughter, Myla on Instagram. Leigh talks about the benefits and then suggests that families follow-along at home. Myla loves to do the strokes on her doll or teddy at the same time!
Maisy and Poppy make massage stories into a real sensory experience. They spend time preparing sensory props to accompany the words. Here they are getting ready for a massage story about mini beasts. Such creativity.
And here’s Evie all ready for a Story Massage adventure in the jungle. Her mum, Alli, says Evie loves massage stories and finds her level of response and engagement is ‘phenomenal’.
Many schools followed along with Mary and Emmanuel’s sessions using a big screen in the classroom. Here are Key Stage 2 children at Cherry Garden School getting involved – with very relaxed looks on their faces.
Jo from RevitaliseU-Kent Well-Being for Children has been preparing for family sessions once lockdown ends. She has been sharing sessions in the park with two very excited three year old twins. And she is currently looking for a name for the new member of her well-being team!
Marie shared Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star with children at Bookworms Day Care for the first time during lockdown. They discussed positive touch and the children learnt the importance of asking permission. They thought it was ‘wonderful’ and made them feel ‘relaxed’ and ‘dizzy’.
Like many people with sensory issues, Hugh used to hate having his hair cut. During lockdown, his mother, Emma, found it especially hard to manage the upset and anxiety of haircuts at home. However, specially written massage stories have helped calm and reassure him. Now he even laughs while having his hair cut!
Are you inspired by the benefits of the programme during lockdown? Would you like to train to share massage stories in your work or home? We run a popular online course to teach you how to share the ten Story Massage strokes and use them to adapt familiar stories or even create some sensory stories of your own. Ideal for Early Years practitioners, teachers, therapists, those working with people with additional needs, Relax Kids coaches… everyone with an interest in sharing positive touch activities with children or adults. All the information is here: Story Massage Online Training.
We have been so delighted to hear feedback about the many benefits of the Story Massage Programme for children with autism. Benefits include relaxation, touch tolerance, emotional regulation, increased concentration, better sleep and social connection. Here is a collection of some of the reported benefits of the Story Massage Programme for children on the autistic spectrum. Continue reading
Like many people with sensory issues, 10 year old Hugh Murphy used to hate having his hair cut. During lockdown, his mother, Emma, found it especially hard to manage the upset and anxiety of haircuts at home. Then she tried using the Story Massage Programme and found it helped calm and reassure him. Emma explains more…
We have been delighted to support homeschooling for PMLD learners during lockdown. Our regular Facebook and Instagram Live sessions have prompted amazing feedback from both parents and schools who struggle to find ideas that are appropriate and relevant. Here we look at how the Story Massage Programme has been a highlight for Courtney, 14, and her mum, Sue Norton.
Self-massage on hands and arms is being introduced into many schools and colleges as a way of continuing the benefits of the Story Massage Programme whilst social distancing is in place. This blog shows how it can be applied in practice. It is inspired by the work of Becky Drury, a teacher at Springside Primary School working with learners who have PMLD. She is pictured below with her son, Dexter, a great fan of the Story Massage Programme!
