How to Stop Bullying and Social Aggression - Elementary Lessons

In this review of How to Stop Bullying and Social Aggression, the bottom line is straightforward: teachers and school staff who need practical, classroom-ready lessons will find a usable, well-sequenced resource focused on empathy, friendship, and respect. The book is written for elementary settings and stands out because its activities are student-focused and designed to reinforce safety and assertive behavior, making it a reliable companion for anti-bullying programs rather than a theoretical treatise.

Key Features

• Sequenced lessons: Lessons are organized in a clear order so educators can build concepts gradually and reinforce learning over time.
• Student-focused activities: Hands-on exercises encourage children to practice assertive responses and social skills rather than only discussing concepts.
• Content-enriched material: Each lesson includes concrete teaching points that make it easy to connect activities to anti-bullying objectives.
• Safety and assertiveness coaching: Practical tips teach children how to stay physically and emotionally safe during bullying incidents.
• Teacher-friendly format: The book provides ready-to-use strategies that coaches, therapists, and classroom teachers can implement without extensive prep.

Who It's For

This book is intended primarily for elementary school teachers, school counselors, and program coordinators seeking a pragmatic set of lessons to support a broader anti-bullying initiative. Those running prevention programs will appreciate the emphasis on empathy, friendship, and respect paired with activities that students can practice.

It is less aimed at academic researchers seeking theory-heavy treatments or older-student curricula; secondary educators or those wanting extensive policy analysis should look for resources focused on middle and high school age groups or system-level reform.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Practical lesson sequencing helps teachers implement anti-bullying education in a consistent way.
• Student-centered activities encourage active practice of assertive skills and social behavior.
• Clear guidance on staying physically and emotionally safe offers concrete advice during incidents.

Cons

• The focus is squarely on elementary grades, so content and activities may not transfer well to older students.

Specifications

Title	How to Stop Bullying and Social Aggression
Subtitle	Elementary Grade Lessons and Activities That Teach Empathy, Friendship, and Respect
Authors	Steve Breakstone, Michael Dreiblatt, Karen Dreiblatt
Audience	Elementary school teachers, counselors, coaches
Main focus	Anti-bullying lessons, empathy, friendship, respect
Approach	Sequenced, student-focused activities and practical strategies

Our Verdict

How to Stop Bullying and Social Aggression is a pragmatic, classroom-ready resource that delivers sequenced, activity-based lessons suited to elementary settings. Educators who need concrete exercises and safety coaching will find it good value because it translates anti-bullying principles into teachable student practice without excess theory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for classroom teachers?
Yes. The lessons are designed for elementary classroom use and include activities teachers can run with students.

Does it teach strategies for students to stay safe?
Yes. The book coaches children on physical and emotional safety and encourages assertive behaviors during bullying incidents.

Will this work for middle school students?
The content is focused on elementary grades, so middle school teachers may need materials tailored to older students and more advanced social dynamics.