Take a Breath Activity

How do we prevent violence, disrespectful behaviours and gender inequality in our communities? A very challenging question. Maybe … if we began at the beginning by teaching our kids to ‘take a breath’ before they act or speak — then we might see more positive outcomes in generations to come. Let’s hope so!

‘Take a Breath' Activity is for students 8 to 17 years. It can be explored in classrooms, homes and community settings such as church groups and sporting clubs.

The ‘Take a Breath’ Activity aims to help students:

• understand that our words and how we deliver them matter
• understand our words can affect another’s self-esteem, confidence, anxiety levels and happiness
• understand that our words can make others feel powerless
• realise that verbal abuse is unacceptable in all societies
• understand that verbal abuse can lead to other forms of abuse and control
• express their feelings and emotions in a more regulated way towards positive outcomes
• listen to another’s point of view with increased empathy, understanding and perspective
• learn to self-regulate.

Through a series of role plays and then discussion questions guided by the facilitator, the overall objective of this activity is to have students, when responding to a challenging situation or conversation to:

1. Take a Breath (STOP for a few seconds before responding).
2. Ask themselves 3 questions about what they are about to say:
1. Is this helpful?
2. Is this hurtful?
3. Will this cause unhappiness to the other person and/or myself?
3. Then Rethink Their Response.