Embodied Education is a vision for an educational paradigm based on wellbeing, co-regulation and creativity, which advocates for body-first, relational and embodiment approaches in organisations and communities.
The aim of this book is to support a shift in culture, towards an embodied, holistic model of teaching and learning , by raising awareness, sparking curiosity and suggesting alternatives and solutions.
Embodied Education champions the creation of organisations and spaces which are trauma-informed and neurodivergent, sensory and nervous system friendly - spaces which celebrate and encourage individuality, divergence and innovation, alongside exploration, discovery and imagination.
This is a way of teaching and learning in which intuition, in addition to metacognition and critical thinking, are all go-to points of reference and gut instinct, the knowing located within the body, is honoured.
"This is the most inspiring and exciting book I have ever read on education and facilitation.
The Aldreds are proposing a much needed revolution in education; one that is body first, relational and heart-led. Their focus on embodiment, wellbeing, co-regulation and creativity is exactly what is needed for our complex world today.
Everyone will benefit from their embodied approach, especially the invaluable information on trauma, stress and regulating the nervous system.
This is a groundbreaking book, with a powerful vision and curriculum, in direct contrast to the outdated and energy draining curriculum most school children have to endure on a daily basis. I will personally send a copy to the UK Secretary of State for Education to influence education policy in my own country.
I urge every teacher, parent and facilitator to read this book to enable the much needed change, both within and outside the formal education system.
I place this book on a par with the best educational books ever written. Especially ones that challenge the status quo and offer a radical, workable, wise and significant alternative. An extraordinary contribution to the world of learning."
-Dr Lynne Sedgmore CBE, Former secondary school teacher, college lecturer and college Principal. Previous CEO of the Centre of Excellence in Leadership. Author and tutor of Goddess Luminary Leadership Wheel, and Presence Activism (to be published in 2024).
"This courageous book is a primer for these times. I want every educator, and every student, to have access to these resources. This book is a fundamental orientation towards any pedagogy or wisdom transmission. This is a time when we need mentors to be strong, real and present and to win the respect of their students who crave guidance and who cannot be deceived. We need the real thing, and this book has it."
-Stephanie Mines, PhD, Author of The Secret of Resilience.
"I'm delighted to be able to recommend this book to educators, as it provides insight and alternative approaches that will support connection, safety, and improved outcomes that can be transformative for both practitioners and the young people they support."
-Jill Corbyn, Founder and Director of Neurodiverse Connection
"Reading from the lens of peace and conflict resolution, Embodied Education is such a deep and considered manual that would be invaluable for trainers working in either post conflict communities, or with refugee communities who have experienced the unimaginable. By placing the body and trauma informed methodologies at the heart of the learning practice - this manual offers many keys to unlock learning for people who are keen to rebuild and learn but need safe space and an embodied practice to do so. The artwork is incredible too!"
-Dr Sarah Alldred, PhD in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution (2003),. Currently the Head of International Partnership, The Co-operative College, Manchester.
