For most teachers, there will be days when nothing seems to work. When pupil hierarchies seem to have gained control and the teacher doubts their own capacity to lead. When relationships with pupils need constant attention just to create some space for learning.

Mentally healthy classrooms is a book for middle-school teachers and those who interact with children and young people in schools for other reasons. It includes values clarification exercises, games and other creative methods that YoungHorse – Västerbotten Theatre’s youth theatre group – have been using for over 20 years to spark conversations with pupils about difficult and sensitive issues, and that teachers and other groups can use in their own settings.

The book also outlines the history behind YoungHorse’s award-winning teaching methods, with contributions from its founders Malin Lundqvist and Petra Åström, drama teacher Katrin Byréus and many others who provide their thoughts about the role of the teacher as relationship promoter and dialogue facilitator. This book is about how to listen and create mentally healthy classrooms – even when it feels and seems impossible.

Caroline Jonsson is a freelance journalist focusing on social questions and young people’s mental health. Her previous book Hej, det är jobbigt (Dynamo förlag 2018) (Hi, I’m having a rough time) was addressed to young people in need of counselling.