Flexibility Basics
What does flexibility mean?
Being willing to adjust when plans, rules, or situations change.
Your teacher changes the seating chart. What is a flexible response?
Move to the new seat and try to adjust.
Your supervisor asks you to complete a different task. What should you do?
Listen to the instructions and try the new task.
Your favorite restaurant is closed. What is a flexible response?
Choose another restaurant or meal.
What should you do first when something unexpected happens: yell, walk away without telling anyone, or pause?
Pause. Give yourself a moment before responding.
True or false: Being flexible means you always have to agree with everyone.
False. You can disagree respectfully and still be flexible.
You planned to work with a friend, but the teacher assigns new partners. What should you do?
Work respectfully with your assigned partner.
You usually take your break at one time, but today it changes. What is a flexible response?
Adjust to the new break time, if possible, and ask questions respectfully.
It rains on the day you planned to play outside. What could you do?
Find an indoor activity or reschedule.
Name one calming strategy you can use when a plan changes.
Take deep breaths, count to ten, use positive self-talk, or request an appropriate break.
Name one thing you can do when a plan changes.
Take a breath, stay calm, listen, or consider another option.
You have to redo an assignment because you made mistakes. What is a flexible response?
Accept feedback, ask for help if needed, and try again.
A coworker shows you a faster way to complete a task. What should you do?
Listen, consider the suggestion, and try the new method if appropriate.
A friend wants to play a different game than you do. What is a fair solution?
Take turns choosing or agree on a game together.
You feel like saying, 'This is stupid! I'm not doing it!' What could you say instead?
'I'm frustrated. Can you help me understand the new plan?'
What is the opposite of being flexible when things change?
Refusing to try another option, getting stuck on one plan, or reacting angrily.
Your favorite activity is canceled and replaced with a difficult assignment. What can you do?
Manage your disappointment, ask what to expect, and begin the new assignment.
You are asked to help a coworker when your own task is not finished. What should you do?
Ask which task is the priority and clarify what needs to be done first.
Your bus is late and you may miss an appointment. What should you do?
Stay calm, contact someone who needs to know, and make a new plan.
You cannot have your first choice. Name two other options you could consider.
Answers vary. Students should name two reasonable alternatives.
Why is flexibility an important life skill?
It helps us solve problems, manage frustration, and work with others.
A group member disagrees with your idea for a project. How can you respond flexibly?
Listen to their idea, compare options, and agree on a plan together.
Your work schedule changes unexpectedly and you feel frustrated. What is a professional response?
Pause, communicate respectfully, clarify expectations, and make a new plan.
Your bus is late and you may miss an appointment. What should you do?
Stay calm, contact someone who needs to know, and make a new plan.
Your teacher changes the directions, you feel angry, and you want to refuse. Explain three steps you could use to respond flexibly.
Pause and calm your body; listen or ask questions; choose a safe, respectful next step.