The authors draw on years of teaching experience to propose the APA (Acknowledge, Process, Act) method, which encourages students to recognize emotions and also motivates them to implement proactive solutions rather than let negative emotions sabotage their academic goals. Included are several grade-appropriate classroom scenarios and relevant strategies that will help teachers create more peaceful, respectful, and productive learning environments.

The APA method -- The science behind the hijacked brain -- The continuum of emotional states -- Causes and symptoms of brain hijackings -- Examples of brain hijackings and how to deal with them -- How different types of students react to their emotions -- Using the APA method with elementary school students -- Using the APS method with middle school students -- Using the APA method with high school students -- A final word -- Encore.