The Polyvagal Path to Joyful Learning

If you strive to be a trauma-sensitive practitioner, and you believe in the power of relationships in the classroom, this book will reaffirm your vision and sense of agency.... Wilson's practical anecdotes, metaphors, diagrams, and accessible writing make her guide highly readable and relevant.--Greater Good Magazine At last, the science and practice of Polyvagal Theory clarified and adapted for the educational setting, which needs it more than ever. This book will be a gift to therapists, educators, and most of all students for years to come! I look forward to referencing this book again and again.--Dr. Christopher Willard, faculty, Harvard Medical School, author of Growing Up Mindful Debra Em Wilson has written a thoughtful, helpful guide to the ways in which we 'think with our bodies.' Teachers, administrators, and parents can all benefit from reading Wilson's informed and insightful book.--Annie Murphy Paul, author of The Extended Mind Debra Em Wilson's interpretation of Dr. Porges's Polyvagal Theory, with analogies such as leaky boats, car alarms, and loaded backpacks, neatly clarifies the seven polyvagal principles. With this book, teachers will be equipped to get in sync with their challenging students and to transform their classrooms into joyful learning centers.--Carol Stock Kranowitz, author of The Out-of-Sync Child Debra Wilson does a wonderful job of bringing the concepts of safety, regulation, and relationship to the forefront for teachers, counselors, and parents. . . . [Her book] is a must-read for anyone who has children or works with children in any capacity.--Stephen J. Terrell, PsyD, coauthor of Nurturing Resilience: Helping Clients Move Forward from Developmental Trauma, founder of Austin Attachment and Counseling Center This is a truly powerful book. . . . What struck me most is that many of our efforts to change organizations stay at the cognitive level. Wilson makes the case that embodied learning needs to occur.--Professor Sohail Inayatullah, UNESCO Chair in Futures Studies, Sejahtera Centre for Sustainability and Humanity, Malaysia and College of Education, Tamkang University