Follow-Along Video
Sing along with Sophie as she demonstrates Old MacDonald had a Farm using some of the ten Story Massage strokes. Adding positive touch to favourite nursery rhymes enhances their many benefits.
You can find the words and strokes here: Old MacDonald had a Farm
Nursery Rhymes – the Benefits
Sharing nursery rhymes can help:
- develop language and literacy skills
- encourage numeracy skills
- encourage anticipation and memory
- support physical, social and emotional skills
- …and they are great fun too!
The simplicity and repetition of the words of Old MacDonald had a Farm also make it a fun way of teaching English as a foreign language.
Whilst working with child refugees and asylum seekers, Mary Atkinson, co-founder of the Story Massage Programme, introduces Old McDonald Had a Farm. “I lead the first verse,” she says, “Then the children are invited to take turns to call out the name of the next animal on the farm. It works really well for the children and also the volunteers who all speak different languages.”
World Nursery Rhyme Week
World Nursery Rhyme Week is a global initiative which runs every November. The aim is set to promote the importance of nursery rhymes in early childhood development. Each year, five nursery rhymes are chosen to be shared over five days. For more information click here: World Nursery Rhyme Week.
Whilst the initiative is intended for early years educators, we know how many people with dementia can benefit from the comfort and familiarity of nursery rhymes. And for some older learners with special educational needs and disabilities, nursery rhymes with Story Massage strokes are part of the sensory curriculum.
Sophie’s Artwork
The fun drawing at the top of this page is by Sophie Kidd-Munnery (a different Sophie to the one demonstrating the massage story!). Sophie first trained in the Story Massage Programme at the start of our journey and has continued to be a Story Massage Ambassador inspiring us all with her creativity and imagination. Thank you Sophie!
More about the Story Massage Programme
The Story Massage Programme combines the benefits of positive, respectful touch with the creativity and engagement of rhymes, songs and stories. Ten simple massage strokes form the basis of the programme. These strokes have a child friendly name, such as The Circle or The Sprinkle, and an easy to recognise symbol. It is a fully inclusive activity, no clothing is removed and no oil is used.
Would you like to train in the Story Massage Programme?
Would you like to learn more? Sign up for our Story Massage Online Course and help share the benefits with the children or adults in your care – at home or at work.
We teach you how to share the ten Story Massage strokes and work with you to adapt familiar stories and even create some sensory stories of your own. Ideal for all teachers, SEN staff, support staff, therapists, Early Years practitioners, those working with people with additional needs, Baby Massage Instructors, Relax Kids Coaches… everyone with an interest in sharing positive touch activities with children and adults of all ages and abilities.
