STORY MASSAGE

Do you enjoy reading stories or being read too? It's one of my favourite things to do.

Story Massage is an immersive, unique and enchanting storytelling class combined with positive touch. Story Massage creativity engages children and adults using 10 simple but effective massage movements (through clothes), which are associated with spoken words to build up an engaging story.

Ther strokes concentrate on shoulderd, back, arms and head. No oil is used and the movements are carried out over clothing.

The magical combination of storytelling and positive touch can be incorporated into stories, songs, poems, quotes, nursery rhymes and also inspires personalised stories to be created.

It offers a way of learning and communicating through play, creativity, and positive interaction. Tracing a large circle on a child’s back, for example, can depict the image of the world, sun or moon while racking with your fingers can represent a tiger or a bear climbing a tree.

Story Massage can be shared as a child to child, parent to child, adult to child or adult to adult activity. It is currently being used and developed worldwide in a variety of settings including home, school, after-school clubs, child and family centres, hospices, special schools, and charities.

Movements are safe and can be adapted to suit varying personalities and temperaments. Positive touch through storytelling can be especially beneficial for children with special/additional needs.

This video demonstrates the beauty and simplicity of Story Massage.
www.storymassage.co.uk

how can story massage help children?

Adapting stories to personal and relevant experiences is what makes Story Massage so versatile and can be tailored to the individual child and young person needs, age and ability.

Some examples of its uses are:

It can be used at home or when out and about to calm a stressful situation.
Aide bedtime routines by promoting relaxation and wind down time, and morning routine as they are getting ready for school.
A tool for children to process their feelings and can provide a space for children to share their concerns or worries with you.
Story Massage helps bring the story to life so children can connect with the words and is a way for children or adults to find their voice.
Help children prepare for life changes, transitions or new situations i.e change of school, exams, illness in the family, moving home, new sibling, bereavement or separation of parents.
In the event of a conflict, story massage could provide a way to reconnect and resolve the conflict. It can also be used to prevent conflict. How amazing would that be?
Or just for spending some fun creative time with your children any time of day.
There is also an educational element as story massage can be used to fit in with the national curriculum. Many children have learned their numbers and letters, and elements of history, geography, and nature through story massage.
It could also form part of Friendship, Antibullying, National Nursery Rhyme weeks or a way to promote school values such as respect and kindness.
These classes are an interactive and a fun way for children and young people of all ages to get excited and engaged in reading and writing whilst sparking their imagination and creativity.
Celebrate a special occasion with a bespoke story massage
Add a little magic and sparkle to their day and yours.

An example of a story massage demonstrating the power of words. This could be used with some pictorial cards that demonstrate the different emotions. This can help children learn about recognising, feeling and expressing their emotions.

What are the benefits of story massage?

We all love stories. When combined with the benefits of simple massage strokes, stories present wonderful opportunities for creative and fun interaction. Sharing positive touch offers great scope for imaginative activity and learning for children of all ages and abilities.

Before each session, you should always ask the child or adults permission whether they would like to have a story massage. If they decline, their rights should be respected. Alternatively, you can do the massage strokes in the air or on a teddy bear instead of on their back. Always 'Thank' the person who has received the massage and this encourages them to reciprocate. Asking permission to give someone a Story Massage will teach children that they have the right to say "no" if someone wants to touch them. A valuable life skill about respect for our own bodies

The benefits of positive touch for children are backed by extensive research from The Massage in Schools Association and Touch Research Institute Miami with findings including:

Improved calmness and concentration
Increased self-confidence, self-awareness and self-esteem
Improved social skills
Increased engagement in activities
Better communication

Other benefits may include:
Reduced hyperactive and aggressive behaviour
Relaxing mind & body (easing tension and effects of stress)
Promotes 'feel-good' hormones, e.g. Oxytocin (which helps boost general well-being)

Opportunity to experience dedicated 'calming time'
Increases children's sensitivity of how their own actions and emotions can influence those of others
Hand-eye coordination
An alternative way to engage and encourage children to develop a wider vocabulary
Allows children to express their emotions in a practical way
Opportunity for children to develop their imagination
A fun way for family and friends to connect with and spend time together
Increased self-confidence, self-awareness, and self-esteem. Helping build resilience.
Individual attention can enhance a child's awareness of being valued and brings a sense of self-worth.

Story Massage also teaches children about respect, kindness and models healthy boundaries.

Please feel free to contact me for further information or to discuss your individual needs requirements for families, group work, support networks, schools, nurseries, libraries, play groups, hospitals, hospices, any associated activities for childrem.
I would love to hear from you.