Regulate, Relate, then Reason: How to open up the cortex for student learning
Webinar Series: Getting to the Cortex: Helping Educators Understand Student Behavior and Performance
The Neurosequential Model - A Blueprint for Better Learning: By understanding how the brain develops and processes information from the bottom up, educators and parents can tailor their approaches to meet students' needs. This model emphasizes that kids need regulating first, followed by relational engagement, and finally, cognitive reasoning. Implementing inputs in this sequence can significantly improve behavior and learning outcomes for children.
“The Three Rs” - Regulate, Relate, Reason: Implementing the three Rs of the Neurosequential Model can start with activities like dance, music, and walking to help students self-regulate and access higher parts of the brain. This lays the foundation to build connections, and opens the cortex for effective reasoning and learning.
Creating Trauma-Informed Spaces for Learning: Understanding the impacts of stress and trauma on the brain and body allows educators to create supportive environments for all children, which are especially helpful to those dealing with additional stressors. Families can also help by fostering calm, predictable, and connected routines at home.
Practical Changes to School Structures: Starting the school day later and incorporating arts, physical activity, and more recess are proven strategies for boosting both academic performance and health.
The Neurosequential Model: A New Perspective on Education
At the core of this discussion was the Neurosequential Model, a research-based approach to understanding how the brain develops and processes information. Dr. Bruce Perry, renowned trauma expert and child psychiatrist, explained that the brain is organized to "act and feel before it thinks." This principle underscores the need to achieve physiological regulation before introducing higher-level cognitive tasks like connection and reasoning.
Regulate, Relate, Reason: The Three Pillars of Reaching Kids
The heart of the neurosequential model is captured by the three Rs: Regulate, Relate, and Reason. Dr. Bhushan and Dr. Perry underscored these elements as the sequence for effective engagement in the classroom.
- Regulate: Help children reach a calm state through activities like breathing exercises or rhythmic movement.
- Relate: Build emotional connections through storytelling, active listening, and empathy.
- Reason: Once regulated and connected, the cortex is ready to engage in cognitive tasks like problem-solving and absorbing new material, thus helping students actively learn.
Regulation First: Why Rhythm Matters
Dr. Perry highlighted the critical role of rhythmic, somatosensory activities—like walking, dancing, and bilateral tapping—in helping students and adults self-regulate. Rhythm is an essential cue for safety ever since our fetal days, when we come to associate the ever-present maternal heartbeat with warmth, nourishment, and comfort.
Transforming Educational Spaces to be Learning-Ready
Dr. Bruce Perry highlighted a success story from Finland, where significant academic improvements were achieved by structurally enabling both better regulation and more free play. Key changes included tripling recess time, drastically reducing standardized testing, and shortening the school day.
Practical Applications for Parents
Families can also create resilience-promoting environments at home:
- Incorporate Rhythm Daily: Choose enjoyable activities as a family to help everyone reset after a long day.
- Build Predictable Routines: Consistency in daily schedules fosters a sense of safety.
- Limit Over-Scheduling: Caution against packing children's schedules too tightly, as downtime is critical for memory consolidation.
Why This Matters
Designing environments using insights from brain science isn’t just about improving grades—it’s about fostering resilience, emotional regulation, and overall health through the life course.