Flexible Thinking Isn’t Just Nice, It’s Essential for Learning
You’ve probably heard it:
“But that’s not how we always do it!”
“That’s not fair!”
“I can’t — I don’t know how!”
These aren’t just strong opinions. They’re signs of stuck thinking — and they show up when kids struggle with cognitive flexibility.
This week in Thera-Scholars, we’re teaching the difference between stuck and flexible thinking with a simple, kid-friendly tool:
🔄 The Flexible vs. Stuck Thinker Flip Chart
What is Cognitive Flexibility?
It’s the executive function skill that helps kids:
- Adjust to new routines
- Shift attention between tasks
- Try a different strategy when the first one doesn’t work
- Cope with change — without melting down
When it’s missing, kids:
❌ Perseverate
❌ Panic when routines shift
❌ Say “no” to unfamiliar tasks
❌ See one “right” way — and get overwhelmed if it doesn’t go that way
Why It Matters in Classrooms:
Flexible thinking is essential for:
- Transitions
- Group work
- Following different teachers’ expectations
- Emotional regulation
- Resilience when things don’t go to plan
It’s also teachable. And kids love it when we make it visual and playful.
This Week’s Tool:
Our Flexible vs. Stuck Thinker Flip Chart helps students see and hear the difference between those two voices — and choose to flip the script.
💡 Model it during class discussions:
- “What would a flexible thinker say right now?”
- “What might Dash do if the plan changed?”
Display it in your class and refer to it when plans shift, mistakes happen, or collaboration is tough.
📝 On Friday, use our reflection sheet with students to help them notice a moment they shifted their thinking (or got stuck).
📧 Want help applying this to a specific student or planning flexible routines across the day? SHS can help.
For more info:
Autism Thera-Scholars Teachers Community
info@succeedhealthcare.com.au
www.succeedhealthcare.com.au
#SHS #SucceedHealthcareSolutions #NorthLakes #CognitiveFlexibility #ExecutiveFunctionTools #FlexibleThinkers