Follow-Along Video
Follow-along with Sophie as she demonstrates Twinkle Twinkle Little Star using some of the ten Story Massage strokes. Sophie shows how you can sing along to favourite nursery rhymes as you share the comfort and fun of nurturing touch.
You can find the words and strokes here: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
The Benefits of Nursery Rhymes
Every year, thousands of Early Years educators around the world take part in a global initiative called World Nursery Rhyme Week to promote the importance of nursery rhymes in early childhood development. World Nursery Rhyme Week runs every November. 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.
The repetition of key words, for example, is an important way of encouraging anticipation and development of memory. Counting songs can help with numeracy skills. And the pattern of the rhymes encourages language and literacy skills. The addition of Story Massage strokes to favourite rhymes further enhances social, physical, and emotional skills for all ages and abilities.
Maisy’s Artwork
The beautiful illustration at the top of this page is by 19 year old Maisy Kidd-Munnery, who has been a Story Massage Ambassador for many years. Maisy loves following along to Story Massages with her sister, Poppy, mother, Sophie and Aunty Helena. The twinkles from the stars are Maisy’s thumbprints. Thank you Maisy!
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.
