Pause: Giving Students Space to Recharge at Samskaara

Pause: Giving Students Space to Recharge at Samskaara

In the fast-paced world of high school, it's easy for students to get caught up in schedules, deadlines, and expectations. Recognizing the need for downtime, Samskaara Academy has introduced a unique initiative called Pause, designed specifically for older students in grades nine to twelve.

Pause is a dedicated time in the afternoon, about 45 minutes, where students can step away from structured learning and engage in activities they enjoy. But this isn't just free time. Pause is carefully designed to give students autonomy while maintaining a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment around them.

Setting Boundaries with Student Leadership

Unlike traditional breaks, Pause has rules that were framed by the students themselves. The Ethics Committee, a group of senior students guided by an adult mentor, worked closely with the ninth to twelfth graders to define what Pause should look like. Together, they discussed boundaries to ensure that while students have freedom, it doesn't disrupt other sessions or the school environment.

The rules they created are simple but effective. Students are encouraged to engage in activities that relax their mind or help them focus on individual interests. Running around aimlessly, gossiping in corners, or disturbing other sessions is not allowed. The idea is to provide "me time," moments where students can unwind and recharge without external pressures.

Activities that Make Pause Meaningful

Pause offers a mix of activities to suit different interests. Students can play board games, solve puzzles, help in the kitchen, or participate in other calming and engaging tasks. Each activity is meant to stimulate creativity, critical thinking, or a sense of contribution, while giving them a break from academics.

This initiative helps students learn the importance of self-regulation, mindful engagement, and making choices responsibly. By framing their own rules, students take ownership of the time, learning valuable lessons about ethics, boundaries, and self-management in the process.

The Bigger Picture

Pause isn't just a break. It's an intentional space for growth: mental, emotional, and social. It teaches students how to balance freedom with responsibility, encouraging them to discover what activities recharge them best. Over time, Pause helps students develop self-awareness, focus, and a sense of inner calm that extends beyond these 45 minutes into the rest of their lives.

Through Pause, Samskaara Academy is showing that education isn't only about academics. It's about nurturing the whole student, helping them find balance, and providing opportunities to reflect, recharge, and grow independently.

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