A
headteacher in Cornwall has introduced massage lessons
to induce calm in rowdy children.
Treverbyn Community Primary Stenalees near St Austell
was being disrupted by children from one class being
aggressive towards each other.
So when head Sheila Leigh read that London schools
were using massage to ease pupil stress, she decided
to try it at her school.
Teachers say it is reducing aggression among primary
pupils and is increasing their capacity for learning.
Ms Leigh said: "We had one class that was showing
signs of stress and the children were behaving quite
aggressively towards each other.
"It wasn't just rough and tumble. It was done
with a purpose and some of the children were laughing
at the way they were hurting each other."
'Caring environment'
Ms Leigh said she was not worried that some people
might think it inappropriate for children to be working
so closely with each other.
She said: "I don't think there's anything wrong
with it at all.
"We appreciate that there is a big concern about
inappropriate touching and we do get permission from
parents. It is all done over clothes and above board
as it were."
Massage in schools therapist Lynne Hudson, who has
been holding the massage lessons, said: "A lot
of children these days are stressed - as are a lot
of adults.
"I've seen their behaviour has changed. It creates
a really nice, caring environment in the classroom."
Several other local schools have also adopted massage
therapy. |
