Unexpected Changes
What is an unexpected change?
Something that doesn’t go the way you planned
Which is flexible thinking: “I can adjust” or “It has to be my way”?
“I can adjust”
Is yelling usually an expected or unexpected reaction?
Unexpected reaction
What is Step 1 of the flexibility steps?
Stop
Your teacher is absent today. What changed?
The regular teacher is gone
Name one feeling people might have during a sudden change.
Confused, annoyed, stressed, angry, etc.
What is “stuck thinking”?
Thinking things must happen one exact way
Name one expected reaction to a change.
Taking a breath, asking questions, staying calm
Why do we breathe during a stressful change?
To calm our body and mind
Your lunch spilled. Name one good response.
Clean it up, ask for help, get another lunch
Your bus is late. Is this an expected or unexpected change?
Unexpected change
Give one example of flexible thinking.
“What’s another option?” or similar
If the store is out of what you want, what is a good response?
Pick another item or ask for help
During the “Think” step, what are two questions you can ask yourself?“
What changed?” and “What can I do instead?”
Your job coach changes your task. What should you do first?
Stay calm/Stop/Breathe
Why do unexpected changes happen at work sometimes?
Schedules, tasks, people, or plans can change
Your friend cancels plans. What is one flexible response?
Make a new plan, stay calm, ask to reschedule
What does “match your reaction to the problem size” mean?
Don’t overreact to small problems
What is the final step after Stop, Breathe, and Think?
Choose
The gym is closed. Name two things you could do instead.
Walk outside, exercise at home, another activity
True or False: Being flexible means you always like the change.
False
Why is flexible thinking important in adult life?
Helps with work, relationships, and problem-solving
A fire alarm goes off. Is this a small or big problem?
Big problem
Put these in order: Choose, Think, Stop, Breathe
Stop → Breathe → Think → Choose
Your shift time changes last minute. What is the MOST flexible response?
Adjust your plan and communicate calmly