About Flexible Thinking
True or False: Flexible Thinking is a helpful skill to use when plans change.
True. If we think flexibly when plans change, it can help us to remain calm.
Kevin wanted to continue to play video games at home, but his parents ask him to do something else. Kevin pauses or saves his game so he can find out what his parents want him to do.
Flexible. Kevin realized that he could go back and play his game later. He might just have to do one quick thing and can take another break after doing some work.
When playing a game, someone keeps blurting out answers and interrupting others. Why might this happen?
They are really excited about what they are playing.
They weren't aware that it may be rude to interrupt others or answer all of the questions.
They think they are being funny.
True or False: a bolt of lightening is hotter than the sun.
True. A bolt of lightening is 5 times hotter than the sun.
Why is it important to think of different perspectives?
Everyone thinks differently. Just because one person thinks something, it doesn't make it true. Our perspective is not the only perspective. To have positive relationships, we have to consider everyone's point of view.
Molly is playing a game with her friends, but she doesn't know the rules. Molly asks questions and listens to the other players so she can understand how to play the game.
Flexible. She is learning a new game and open to hearing about the rules and how to play.
You are talking with a friend when they suddenly get up and walk away. Why might this happen?
They remembered they were supposed to do something and needed to leave.
Someone called them away.
They thought the conversation was done.
They wanted to talk to someone else.
How many brains does an octopus have?
9!
How can two people think differently about the same situation?
We have different upbringings and experiences, so we see the world differently. We believe in different values sometimes. That is what makes us all different.
Christian's class is doing a reading activity with assigned partners. He was assigned a partner that was not his friend and he gets upset.
Rigid. Christian got upset when he found out who his partner was, instead of giving them a chance.
You are talking with your friend about your dog and they start crying. Why might this happen?
Her dog is sick or passed away.
She wants a dog but doesn't have one.
She is upset about something else.
A cow can sleep while standing up. What's another animal that can do this?
Horses
How can flexible thinking skills help you?
Flexible thinking skills help you solve problems, stay calm when things change or don't go your way, and helps you understand the perspectives of others.
Helen was going to the beach with her family, but forgot her swimsuit. She decides to get her feet wet and build sandcastles instead of going swimming.
Flexible. Helen made the best out of the situation and found other things to do at the beach.
Your parent asks you to stop playing video games. Why might they ask you to do this?
They want you to do something outside.
They want your help with something.
It is time for dinner.
True of False: a banana was the first food eaten in space by astronauts.
False - it was applesauce!
What does it mean to be a flexible thinker?
A flexible thinker is someone who can see different sides of a situation. They can think in many different ways and have several solutions to a problem.
Sam is worried about finding a friend to go with him to the movies because he knows that no one wants to go with him.
Rigid Thinking. He is assuming no onw will want to go to the movies with him before the situation happens.
Your friend is whispering something to someone else. When you get close they stop. Why might this have happened?
They just happened to be finished talking.
They are talking about you.
They are talking about a secret that is not about you but want to keep it private.
How many licks does it take to finish eating a scoop of ice cream?
50