The Polyvagal Path to Joyful Learning: Transforming Classrooms One Nervous System at a Time

by Debra Em Wilson

The optimal state for learning is one of safety, connection, motivation, and engagement.


Every student and teacher is different, but there’s one thing each has in a responsive nervous system ready for action. Whether it’s a fight breaking out on the playground, a difficult conversation with a parent, or an impromptu fire drill, understanding how the nervous system responds can help keep teachers and students on an even keel.


Polyvagal Theory (PVT) has had a tremendous impact on the mental health field, shedding light on how the nervous system predictably moves between different states in response to changing situations. School consultant Debra Em Wilson introduces PVT to educators and shows how using PVT-guided strategies can help create optimal learning environments. When school staff understand the role of the nervous system in learning, they can better help students develop the skills leading to increased resilience, adaptability, and essential qualities for social, emotional, and academic success.

Genres: Psychology, Education, Nonfiction

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2023

Reviews

[Mr. Tumbles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating glimpse into polyvagal theory for the classroom. This used with play therapy models for the classroom and home would be very useful for teachers, parents and practitioners alike. My only gripe with it is I wish they had an index or appendix with ideas for application. Still though really good tools in this one.

[Holly Barham · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Great read shedding light on the role of the nervous system in the classroom. I was affirmed in my belief that enhanced learning takes place when the classroom is fun and joy-filled, and I took away various practical tools in being more aware of my nervous system and that of my students. Includes such cool neuroscience, too… definitely not just book for educators!

[Brett Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Managing our nervous systems is arguably one of the most useful skills that we humans can develop and refine in order to live better lives. Our failure to manage our nervous systems effectively leads us to frequently sabotage our own most meaningful and fulfilling achievements. This also happens collectively, as disputes break out over matters that then sabotage some of our greatest group achievements. This skill and the practices and mindset that support it have largely been confined in the past to the realm of religion or spiritual development.

Polyvagal theory was systematically documented by Stephen Porges, and the theory and associated practices were popularized in books and videos by Deb Dana. Debra Em Wilson here adds a rich contribution of her own that focuses on the role of teachers in encouraging both individual and collective nervous system management in the classroom. Wilson narrates in engaging language the core principles of polyvagal practice and how they apply in a classroom setting. For any teacher, parent or older student interested in encouraging learning among young people the insights here are practical and well presented.