The Year 7s have started a series of eight Pause Breathe Smile sessions.

Pause, Breathe, Smile is New Zealand’s only researched school-based mindfulness programme. The structured lesson plans are based on wellbeing science and neuroscience and cover the following:

Lesson 1: Coming home
Introducing core mindfulness practices for mind-body integration. ‘At home’ in our bodies with a sense of being ‘at home’ in the present.

Lesson 2: Happiness here and now
Exploring happiness and learning how our actions impact wellbeing.

Lesson 3: Everything for the first time
Using creative role-play for looking at the world with the important wellbeing and learning characteristics of curiosity and interest.

Lesson 4: All things rising and falling
Recognising that emotions are felt in the body and learning how to self-regulate with mindfulness

Lesson 5: Neurons that fire together wire together
Learning about the brain and how to settle scattered and unhelpful thinking.

Lesson 6: Kind heart, happy heart
Fostering kindness and compassion toward self and others.

Lesson 7: Everything is connected to everything else
Exploring the relationships between self, others and the natural world.

Lesson 8: Touching base, touching stillness
This lesson encourages student reflection, group sharing, and an agreement to continue fostering presence, kindness and curiosity in the classroom.

Results show that participation in Pause, Breathe, Smile:• Improves focus and attention for better learning outcomes
• Increases calm and student wellbeing
• Enhances self-awareness and pro-social behaviour
• Reduces test anxiety and boosts resilience