Calmer
classrooms
across Aotearoa

Pause Breathe Smile is a mind health programme that helps tamariki regulate emotions, pay attention and build positive relationships. Students develop resilience, increase self-awareness and improve overall happiness.

Southern Cross

Southern Cross has joined forces with the Pause Breathe Smile Trust to offer a mind health programme to children aged five to 12 in New Zealand. Together we want to equip every child in New Zealand with the tools to achieve positive mind health.

Southern Cross’ involvement makes it possible for Pause Breathe Smile to be made available free of charge to any primary and intermediate school in the country.

Since partnering with Southern Cross in 2020, the Pause Breathe Smile Charitable Trust has reached an additional

Tamariki / Children

48 K+

Kaiako / Educators

9600 K+

Kura / Schools

388 +

Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed that students are becoming more aware of their emotions and are using the strategies taught—like mindful breathing or body scans—especially during moments of transition or after high-energy activities. Teachers are reporting that it’s helping create a calmer classroom environment and supporting student wellbeing. While some students are naturally more engaged than others, overall, the programme is having a positive impact on focus, emotional regulation, and the general tone of the day. We’re continuing to embed the practices consistently and are seeing gradual shifts in students’ self-management skills.”

Educator response, via Wellbeing Survey

Train to teach Pause Breathe Smile

Our professional development training provides everything you need to implement a robust, evidence-based wellbeing programme in your kura. Whether your school already has wellbeing initiatives or you’re just starting out, the Pause Breathe Smile programme will meet you where you are to layer, enrich, and embed wellbeing experiences and approaches. By building your capacity, you can build the wellbeing outcomes for your learners. All of the elements of this PLD are provided for FREE for educators through the funding of Southern Cross. Find out more

If you are a parent or caregiver who would love to see this programme in your child’s school, please speak directly to them about training. You can also support your children by trying out some of our mindfulness practices which you can find on the At Home page.

Latest research shows long lasting positive effects on wellbeing

For a third year, Mindquip research has found teachers who have trained in and delivered the Pause Breathe Smile programme, continue to report improvements in student wellbeing, behaviours, and attitudes.

Key results:

Teachers were asked to rate the wellbeing, behaviours and characteristics of students before and after implementing the Pause Breathe Smile programme. One year after implementing the programme 21% of aggregate wellbeing scores had moved above the baseline average
The measure of children ‘flourishing’ saw a 13% move above the baseline average by one year, while the measure of those ‘languishing’ saw a 10% decrease below the baseline average in the same period
Increases in positive behaviours and characteristics among students were identified along with decreases in those considered negative. Children were significantly more self-motivated, perseverant, focused, and supportive after one year
Teachers were more inclined to be satisfied or enjoy their work after delivering the Pause Breathe Smile programme.

Read the full report here.

Calmer classrooms across Aotearoa