Follow-Along Video
Sing and follow-along with Sophie as she demonstrates Incy Wincy Spider as a fun and inclusive positive touch activity. Sophie uses some of the ten Story Massage strokes to show how this favourite nursery rhyme can be enjoyed as a massage story.
You can find the words and Story Massage strokes here: Incy Wincy Spider
Nursery Rhymes and Story Massage
The simplicity of nursery rhymes makes them easy to adapt as massage stories. Whilst most people associate nursery rhymes with young children, we know that 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 adapted with Story Massage strokes are part of the sensory curriculum. The repetition of key words helps encourage anticipation and development of memory. And the pattern of the rhymes helps support language and literacy skills.
Poppy’s Artwork
The wonderful illustration at the top of this page is by 14 year old Poppy Munnery, a budding artist and Story Massage Ambassador. Poppy loves to write massage stories and share them with her sister, Maisy. Thank you, Poppy!
World Nursery Rhyme Week
Every year, Early Years educators around the world take part in World Nursery Rhyme Week to promote the importance of nursery rhymes in early childhood development. Each year in November, five nursery rhymes are chosen to be shared over five days. For more information click here: World Nursery Rhyme Week.
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.
