Evaluation of Pause Breathe Smile
Project Background
Pause, Breathe, Smile (PBS) is a programme originally created at the Mental Health Foundation and further developed by the Mindfulness Group, that teaches mindfulness practices across schools in Aotearoa. The programme is taught to teachers through the PBS educator training pathway that involves online introduction and facilitation to mindfulness practices, through to professional learning and development workshops and annual school membership resources.
Ihi Research undertook an evaluation for the Mental Health Foundation to better understand the effects of the Pause, Breathe, Smile (PBS) programme on school communities. In particular, the evaluation sought to understand the impacts for Māori and non-Māori students, focusing on their learning and behaviour. This included how the use of PBS influenced the development of pro-social behaviours that could enhance classroom climate in ways that prevented and/or reduced student conflict and bullying. It should be noted that PBS is not designed to address bullying, however the programme does aim to improve children’s emotional literacy, and this has been noted as important for prosocial behaviour (Boyd & Barwick, 2011).
“We’ve noticed students are kinder to each other. They show more gratitude for what they have, … they’re using more strategies to manage the way they feel in their ability to get on with their learning task. The other thing I have noticed is they play together better. They are more willing to take turns and they show more patience.”
— Principal
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