Massage in Schools
Children’s Authentic Touch is an inspirational program to teach children 4 – 12 years of age how to give & receive a massage. This program is designed for children in childcare, day-care, preschool, kindergarten & elementary school environments. It is a structured course on how to massage the back, shoulders, arms & head. Students remain fully clothed & must exchange permission from each other before the massage can begin. This nurturing exchange from child to child takes approximately 30 minutes per day for a class or group.
Children’s Authentic Touch program is advantageous for the child, teacher & school environment. When children learn the appropriate touch to massage in a gentle, caring & positive manner, they are calm & relaxed in the classroom & improve their social & emotional well-being. Through massage, anxiety & aggression are diminished, & concentration, confidence & self worth are enhanced.
The benefits of massage expand from the individual to classmates, to the teacher, to the school, to family, to the community & to society to foster healthy & balanced lives.
Potential Massage Benefits:
• The child by respecting the self & in doing so, respecting others; reducing stress & tension promoting relaxation; building body awareness; improving concentration; increasing self awareness & self esteem.
• The teacher by removing aggression, anxiety & frustration; endorsing empathy & compassion for all students; supporting unity in the classroom; establishing good boundaries & a serene atmosphere; instilling appropriate & consented touch.
• The school by reducing anger & violence; cultivating good manners; creating a friendly setting for the entire school; respecting school materials & property; children helping & supporting one another.
• The parent by spending quality time with their child; teaching a healthy way to care for the self; respecting each other; establishing open communication; identifying & expressing feelings; creating a loving & memorable ritual established for a lifetime.
Children’s Authentic Touch can be structured to fit your needs at your school in a variety of ways:
• Child to child massage taught in the classroom once a week for
4 – 6 weeks, every other week or once a month.
• Child to child massage for the after-school enrichment program for a
4 – 6 week session.
Children’s Authentic Touch in your school can promote a constructive, healthy, happy & fun activity for children. If you are interested in implementing this holistic program in your school, contact me to discuss how Children’s Authentic Touch fits your needs.