Once Upon a Touch...

A fun and creative way to increase general well-being, improve concentration and self-awareness, and encourage relaxation in children aged 3-11, this book offers a hands-on guide to story massage.

Central to the book are step-by-step, illustrated instructions for ten easy-to-learn basic strokes which are given through clothes on the back, head, shoulders and arms. These basic strokes have then been used to create over 25 story massages which vary in length and complexity. The stories range from traditional tales such as 'Humpty Dumpty' to hands-on learning stories such as 'Deep in the Rainforest.' The massages can be carried out by adults in one-to-one or group sessions, or taught to children to practice on each other.

An enjoyable and interactive way of sharing the benefits and safe and appropriate use of positive touch with all children, this book will be of interest to parents and carers, bodyworkers, teachers and other school staff, care workers and arts therapists.

Mary Atkinson, MA, PGCE, is an award-winning complementary therapist and tutor, and author of four books on massage, including Healing Touch for Children. Alongside Sandra Hooper, she runs training courses for individuals and organisations to help develop skills and confidence in the use of story massage. Mary lives in Chichester, UK.

Sandra Hooper, BEd (Hons), is an experienced primary school teacher, massage therapist and a respected international trainer on the Massage in Schools Programme (MISP). She runs training courses on story massage alongside Mary Atkinson. Sandra lives in Brighton, UK.

1. Introduction. 2. How to Use This Book. 3. Benefits of Story Massage for Children. 4. Suggested Guidelines. 5. The Ten Massage Strokes. 6. The Massage Stories. 7. Traditional Tales. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Humpty Dumpty. Hickory Dickory Dock. Cinderella. Little Red Riding Hood. St George and the Dragon. 8. Seasonal Strokes. Tick Tock, Watch the Clock. Pancake Song. In the Springtime. Grandad Grows Potatoes. Remember, Remember the Fifth of November. Countdown to Christmas. 9. In Your Imagination. Can you Hear the Music? Ahoy There! Fun at the Fair. Kelly's Balloon Ride. Flash the Aeroplane. The Circus Comes to Town. 10. Adding a Personal Touch. Let's Bake a Birthday Cake. Freddie's Bathtime. Ben Goes on the Bus. Olly Goes Fishing. Alice Plays Football. Team Effort. 11. Hands-On Learning. Walking on the Moon. Great Fire of London. Deep in the Rainforest. Greek Myths. Winding Rivers. Growing Sunflowers. 12. Time for Talking. Animal Friends. A Safe Place. The Inquisitive Iguanodon. The Frightened Ghost. First Day at Forest School. Acknowledgements. About the Authors.