I thought this book presented a great way to help children through their experienced trauma. I even found some of the tips helpful for myself. While I don't think it's for everyone, I do think that if you're open to the recommended paths for healing, this could be a great resource.

I was interested to read this book because I run writing workshops as part of my therapy business, including mindful poetry writing. My workshops are for adults, whereas this book focuses more on children’s workshops. Although, the principles behind practicing are largely the same especially where working with vulnerable people or those exposed to trauma. I could see Koch’s book being a great underpinning for my work with adult survivors of sexual abuse or domestic violence.

The book gave me the theory behind how I teach, for example the principle of the ‘Packed Lesson’. I thought of this in relation to how I teach mindful haiku writing. We begin by clarifying why each step is useful - eg: we need to do a mindfulness exercise first to tune into our environment and this generates the poetry content. We would show an example of each step - I do this by writing alongside the class. Then explain how each step helps the writing - e.g: mindfulness works with haiku because when we are mindful we are present in the moment and each haiku is supposed to be the distillation of a moment in nature. A work period then takes place - eg: the student works through their senses and notes what they experience, then uses the haiku form to turn these sensory notes into poetry. The task ends when students share their writing and the experience of writing them with each other.

The author goes on to explain that working with trauma means adding ways of countering stress and anxiety into the teaching practice. I found these tips particularly helpful, especially how to establish mindfulness and respect into the classroom by creating a respect agreement. It even covered how to manage student feedback by reminding students that mistakes are how we learn, creating a foundation of safety and praising effort above correct answers.

I was impressed with this book and felt I would buy it to complement my workshop development. It is great for therapists, trauma workshop facilitators and teachers of any age. There are principles described here that would enhance any teachers practice. Some ideas are great for those children experiencing trauma, but to remind us how to teach every child and keep learning fun. The Positive Response Protocol would help any teach who needs to offer gentle encouragement rather than judgement or criticism.

At a time when childhood mental illness is becoming a major crisis in UK schools this book could provide a useful way forward, supporting teachers and those who work with young people. I found it informative and supportive, albeit very lengthy to get through for us busy teachers. My gut feeling is that it's approaches lie more firmly within the reach of those pupils beyond infant age who have already grasped the ability to write.. The fact that it also raises attainment in writing is a valuable outcome too.

Stuff happens. Life does not always unfold as it should, with loving parents, caring siblings, and trustworthy friends. Nor does the environment always stay peaceful and supportive of children as they grow up.

This book is intended as a working manual for guiding children through their traumas and stresses toward health and an integrated, productive life. Koch presents an opportunity for a classroom in which children can choose their part in the activities from options that draw them out and draw them forward. The key values are compassion, kindness, respect, and attention from teachers, which are fostered among the students themselves.

Though the underlying philosophy is Buddhism, the principles of caring for each other are valuable and important. Christian teachers (and those of other religions) can translate the values of respectful compassion into their own ways of thinking and pedagogy. This worthy volume will deepen conversation, enhance interactive learning, and encourage respectfulness among colleagues and our students.

Recommended.

Thank you netgallery and the publishers for the ebook of The Mindful Writing Workshop in exchange for an honest review.

I thought that this was really well written and informative. It was truly empowering and something that can be returned to again and again. It keeps you engaged throughout and enables you to refocus and improve your writing. Would highly recommend this book.