Rock vs Flexible Thinking
We've been learning more about executive function skills at ISA this year. I enjoyed talking with 4th grade about flexible thinking this week. Flexible thinkers can cope more easily with change in a routine or plan. Flexible thinking has been essential for our children during the pandemic and it was a delight to talk about their growing skills in this area, and to add to their toolbox of flexible thinking skills.
We talked about avoiding rock thinking - getting stuck on one idea or way of doing something. Flexible thinkers can:
- imagine more than one solution to a problem
- think about how others are feeling
- say yes to new skills and reflect on learning experiences
- use calming strategies when they are upset
Cognitive flexibility is related to better resilience to difficult life events. Simple ways to boost flexible thinking can look like:
- taking a new route to a familiar place
- playing board games, and collaborating on changing the rules
- having a backwards day (breakfast for dinner...)
- modeling flexible thinking and coping skills
Have a lovely and "flexible" weekend!
Warm Regards, Valerie DeGraw
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