Pause, Breathe, Smile
This term we will be teaching Pause Breathe Smile across the school. Pause Breathe Smile (PBS) s a programme we first introduced to our students in 2021.
This framework was locally developed and researched. It has been internationally recognised as a mindfulness-based wellbeing programme for schools. Aligning with the New Zealand Curriculum and health model Te Whare Tapa Whā, PBS is taught across 8 weeks and is designed to equip students with the tools they need to manage the ups and downs of life; aiming to set each child up for a healthy future, in which they can thrive.
Pause Breathe Smile focuses on supporting each child from a holistic view. Skills like learning how to regulate emotions, building self-awareness and relating positively to others, all to help equip our tamariki in a rapidly changing, uncertain world.
An area that is also covered in PBS is mindful eating. For the first session, we will supply a small Cadbury chocolate or a box of raisins. For the remainder of the sessions, students will select a fruit or vegetable option from their lunch box. If you have any questions regarding mindful eating please contact your child’s T group teacher.
Throughout the term, we encourage you to have conversations with your tamariki about Pause Breathe Smile and the skills they are learning. You may hear phrases like, ‘dropping anchor’, ‘belly breathing’, ‘treat happiness and peace-inside happiness’, and ‘mindful eating’.
If you would like to learn more about Pause Breathe Smile or Te Whare Tapa Whā please watch this short video and/or follow the links below: