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Pause, Breathe, Smile New Zealand’s evidence-based mindfulness programme for children and young people Pause, Breathe, Smile Evidence-Base Results from three research studies led by the University of Auckland and AUT University have found that participation in Pause, Breathe, Smile: How you can be involved: Professional Learning Pathway PBS Educator Certification for Education and Health Professionals • Increased ability to transfer previously learned material to new situations • Increased creativity and independent thinking • Improved ability to retain instructional knowledge • Improved ability for selective attention • Decrease in level of test anxiety These outcomes have been attributed to mindfulness helping students to feel a greater sense of control over their lives . The calmness and clarity that result from mindfulness practice provide an important foundation for learning while nourishing social and emotional wellbeing. We all want our children to thrive at school – to learn well, make friends and develop the skills they’ll need to navigate life and grow to be thriving, happy adults. Teaching mindfulness in schools has been shown to boost cognitive performance and build resilience. Mindfulness decreases anxiety, depression and stress. The Pause, Breathe, Smile programme has been shown to significantly increase wellbeing, giving children skills that will help them to thrive now and in the future. Learning mindfulness can also help with your professional development, improve your concentration and help you to better manage stress. Throughout this eight-week programme, students learn core mindfulness practices such as: • mindful breathing • mindful eating • mindful movements • fostering kindness and compassion toward self and others A different topic grounded in the science of positive mental wellbeing is taught each week 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. THE MEG 8-SESSION MINDFULNESS COURSE (ONLINE) • This course forms part of our quality assurance of PBS educators, so that they have a robust introduction to mindfulness for their own understanding and personal wellbeing • Learn mindfulness at your own pace, course is available to view and re-view 24/7 at your comfort and convenience • You receive expert mindfulness teaching, including additional guided meditation practice and instruction videos THE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING WORKSHOP (IN PERSON) • Catered, venue options in main cities nation-wide • You learn our unique wraparound model of mindfulness delivery – giving you the confidence to share mindfulness with children • These training workshops can be delivered to your school, organisation or community of learning by arrangement THE PBS CURRICULUM TUTORIAL VIDEOS (ONLINE) • Providing comprehensive instruction on each mindfulness topic contained in the Pause, Breathe, Smile lesson plans • Can be reviewed any time to provide maximum support for PBS Educators THE PBS EDUCATOR’S HANDBOOK (PRINTED RESOURCE) • Includes each lesson’s purpose and WALTS, alignment to the NZC, overview of the science and evidence behind each lesson, sample scripts and activities • Improves focus and attention for better learning outcomes • Increases calm and enhances self-awareness • Helps develop conflict resolution skills and promotes pro-social behaviour • Reduces stress and burn-out for teachers • Leads to statistically significant increases in wellbeing, recognised by ERO as vital for educational success mindfulnesseducation.nz mindfulnesseducation.nz mindfulnesseducation.nz mindfulnesseducation.nz Testimonials Pause, Breathe, Smile (PBS) is New Zealand’s own locally developed and researched mindfulness programme for children and young people. It aligns with the New Zealand Education Curriculum and incorporates Te Whare Tapa Whā as a key element of the programme Mindfulness practice has been shown to offer direct benefits to academic achievement, including: Become a PBS Certified Educator; learn to teach the Pause, Breathe, Smile programme. The Mindfulness Education Group high-quality mindfulness professional learning pathway for PBS Educator Certification includes: Once trained, schools and certified PBS educators have unlimited online access to all the print, audio and video resources required to deliver PBS through an annual MEG membership subscription. “Breathing mindfully helps me calm down a lot if I’m stressed” –PBS participant, aged 10
