Brain Flex Teacher Guide Coach Notes: Brain Flex
Teacher Guide & Lesson Plan
Learning Objectives
Identify the difference between "Stuck Thinking" and "Flexible Thinking" .
Recognize triggers for stuck thinking (changes in routine, unexpected news).
Demonstrate the ability to provide a flexible "Plan B" response.
Materials Needed
Brain Flex Slides
Flex vs. Stuck Cut-and-Paste
Scenario Shuffle Cards
Flexible Thinking Toolkit (Reference)
Activity Steps
1
Intro (10m): Use slides to introduce "The Rock" (Stuck) vs. "The Rubber Band" (Flex). Use physical props (rock/band) if available.
2
Scenario Shuffle (15m): Group students to match Problems to Flex Solutions. Focus on why "Stuck" reactions make situations harder.
3
Individual Practice (15m): Students complete the T-chart worksheet. Provide 1:1 support for cutting and categorization.
Tips for the Classroom
Modeling
"Narrate your own flexible thinking. 'I planned to go outside, but it's raining. I'm feeling a bit stuck, but I'm going to flex and stay in!'"
Visual Cues
Keep a rubber band on your wrist or desk. Pull it gently when you see a student being flexible to reinforce the behavior.
The Plan B Hack
Always announce "The Plan" and "The Possible Plan B" for transitions. This reduces anxiety when changes actually happen.
Size of the Problem
Help students gauge if the change is a 'Big Deal' or a 'Little Deal'. Most changes are little deals that only need a little flex.
Quick Check Answer Key
Stuck Thinking
"It's not fair!"
"I'm not doing it."
"This must be perfect."
"I only like one way."
Flexible Thinking
"I can try a new plan."
"It's okay to change."
"Mistakes happen."
"I'll try my best."
Brain Flex Slides Brain Flex
The Power of Flexible Thinking
What is Thinking?
Our brains are like muscles . Sometimes they get tight and hard to move. Sometimes they are loose and ready for anything!
Flexible Thinking = The ability to change your mind or your plan when things don't go your way.
The Rock: Stuck Thinking
Characteristics:
Wants things only one way .
Gets upset when plans change.
Thinks: "This is not fair!"
The Rubber Band: Flex Thinking
Characteristics:
Can handle an Unexpected Change .
Tries a "Plan B."
Thinks: "It's okay, I can handle this."
How to Flex Your Brain
1
Stop & Breathe
2
Ask: "Is this a Big or Little Deal?"
3
Think of a "Plan B"
"When I change my mind, I change my mood!"
Why Flex?
Friends
Friends like to be around people who can compromise.
Happiness
You stay calmer when things change unexpectedly.
Jobs
Employers need workers who can solve problems.
Practice #1
The Lunch Problem
"You went to the cafeteria for Pizza Friday, but they ran out. Now you have to choose a sandwich or salad."
Stuck Brain says:
"I'm not eating lunch! Today is ruined!"
Flex Brain says:
"That's a bummer, but a sandwich is fine for today."
Practice #2
The Late Bus
"The bus is 20 minutes late. You are going to miss the start of your favorite class."
How can we show Flexible Thinking?
Idea 1
Idea 2
Time to Train!
Let's practice our skills with the Scenario Shuffle and our Flex Worksheet.
Cut & Paste
Scenario Shuffle
Flex it Out Worksheet Flex it Out
Cut & Paste Activity
Name:
Date:
Read the thoughts at the bottom. Are they "Stuck" thoughts or "Flexible" thoughts? Cut them out and glue them into the correct box.
Stuck Thinking
The Rock
Flexible Thinking
The Rubber Band
Cut along the dotted lines
"This isn't what I planned, but I'll try it anyway."
"I'm not doing it if it's not my way."
"Mistakes happen. I'll just try again."
"My whole day is ruined because of this change."
"I can ask for help to find a Plan B."
"Everything must be exactly perfect."
Scenario Shuffle Cards Scenario Shuffle
Problem & Solution Matching Cards
Instructions: Cut out these cards and mix them up. Match the Problem Card to its Flexible Solution.
Problem Card
"You wanted to eat lunch outside, but it started raining."
Flexible Solution
"I can sit with my friends in the cafeteria instead. It's still good to see them!"
Problem Card
"A classmate asks to join your game, but they don't know the rules."
Flexible Solution
"I can take a minute to explain the rules so they can play with us."
Problem Card
"The school Wi-Fi is down and you can't work on your computer project."
Flexible Solution
"I'll work on my paper drawing or read my book until it's fixed."
Flexible Thinking Toolkit Reference My Flex Toolkit
Tips for a Flexible Brain
Take a Breath
When you feel "Stuck," stop and take 3 deep breaths before you speak or act.
Big or Small?
Ask yourself: "Is this a Big Deal or a Little Deal?" Most changes are little deals.
Find Plan B
Think: "Plan A didn't work. What else can I do that is okay?" Look for a second choice.
Positive Talk
Tell yourself: "I can handle this change. It's not what I wanted, but it's okay."
The Flex Checklist
Did I stop and think before getting upset?
Did I try a new plan or a different way?
Was I calm when things changed?
Keep this toolkit in your folder to help you stay flexible!
