Flexible-Thinking
Melissa spilled ink on her dress at a party. She got embarrassed and decided to go home.
Was she flexible or stuck?
Stuck
What skill can you use when it's hard to be flexible?
Coping skills
What are the 3 main problem sizes?
Small, Medium and Big
Lily wanted to be student of the month. She didn't get picked, because she got in trouble at lunch. She's really upset. How can she be flexible?
-Work hard to not get in trouble, so she can have a better chance next month.
Provide 3 coping skills
Deep breaths, taking a break, taking a walk, talking to a trusted friend or adult, etc.
There's a fire. What's the size of the problem?
Big (emergency)
Maria doesn't like her substitute. She thinks she was mean and unfair. A few weeks later, her class gets the same substitute again. She goes to the nurse and pretends to be sick so she can go home.
Was she being flexible or stuck?
Stuck
Give 3 examples of good times to use coping skills
Answers may vary.
Someone pushed you in the hallway, but you are not hurt. What's the size of the problem?
Meduim
You are 13 and your sister is 11.
You want to go to see a movie at your friends house, but your mom says you have to babysit your younger sister while your mom does paperwork.
How can you be flexible?
- Ask if your sister could come with you.
-Ask if your mom if your friends could watch a movie at your house instead so your sister can join.
-Watch a movie at home with your sister instead and hang out with your friends next time.
Armando has a bunch of homework and house chores to do. He feels overwhelmed so he decides to binge watch his favorite show to make him feel better. Did Armando use an effective coping skill? Why or why not?
No, binge-watching won't help him feel less overwhelmed in the long run.
You got a papercut, so you asked the nurse for a band-aid.
Small
Linda's friend Katie seems quiet today. She says that she's okay, but she needs some alone time. She found other friends to play with and checked on Katie later.
Was she flexible or stuck?
Flexible
Carter is feeling angry in class and needs to use his coping skills to be better. However, his teacher says it's not an appropriate time to leave the classroom. What are 3 things he can do in the classroom to feel calmer?
Deep breaths, counting to 10, playing with a fidget, thinking positive thoughts.
You get carsick and throw-up in your mom's car.
Medium