Class gets in the right mind for lessons

Jan 22 2008 by Hazel Ettienne, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

RELAX! Children start their afternoon classes with a refreshing peer massage session.

Pupils in Mrs Judith O’Hara’s class have been taught how to gently massage each other before lessons after the lunchtime break.

Gentle music drifts through the air and a powerpoint presentation devised by the children gives key words about the session.

“It teaches them about appropriate touch, how touch can be gentle, how people should ask if they want to touch one another and gets them calm and ready for the afternoon lessons,” Judith added.

Several classes in the school use the technique to help prepare children to learn.

It is one of several innovative ways which the school uses to help pupils achieve and be successful in the caring school environment.