Brain Stretchers Lesson Plan Brain Stretchers
Lesson Plan: Flexible vs. Rigid Thinking
Tier 3 / Individual
Why This Matters
Understanding flexible and rigid thinking helps students navigate unexpected changes, solve problems creatively, and better interact with others. For students who thrive on routine, learning to "stretch" their thinking can reduce anxiety and build resilience.
Time
15 Minutes
Audience
Individual Student (Autism/Elementary)
Materials & Prep
Preparation
Review the Slide Deck, Script, and Sorting Cards.
Gather the picture book: "The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes" or similar.
Set up the "Flexible Thinking for Kids" video.
Print and cut out the Sorting Cards.
Checklist
Sorting Cards & Answer Key
Slide Deck (Projector/Tablet)
Clear space for movement activity
Student Warm-Up and Cool-Down sheets
Objective
"Identify examples of flexible and rigid thinking and understand the benefits of flexible thinking in everyday situations."
Lesson Instructions
1
2 Min
Warm-Up: How Do We Think?
Introduce the concept of thinking. Use the Warm-Up worksheet and Slide 1. Ask about different ways we use our brains.
2
3 Min
Story Time: Flexible Thinking Book
Read the chosen book (Slides 2-3). Emphasize moments where characters show flexible or rigid thinking. Use Script prompts.
3
3 Min
Video Introduction
Watch the "Flexible Thinking for Kids" video (Slides 4-5). Pause to discuss key points about "stuck" vs. "bendy" brains.
4
4 Min
Movement: Robot vs. Noodle
Engage in the movement activity (Slides 6-7). Model rigid "robot" movements and flexible "noodle" movements. Link to thinking styles.
5
2 Min
Sorting Activity: Flexible vs. Rigid
Student sorts scenario cards (Slide 8). Provide immediate positive feedback and use the Answer Key to guide corrections.
6
1 Min
Cool-Down: My Brain Can Stretch!
Reinforce learning with the reflection worksheet (Slide 9). Student identifies one way to be a "noodle brain" this week.
Brain Stretchers Slide Deck How Do Our
Brains Think?
Our brains are amazing! They can think in different ways. Today, we'll explore two ways: Flexible vs. Rigid Thinking!
Slide 1
Story Time!
Let's read a story about characters who think!
Do they stick to one way of thinking, or do they try new ways?
[ Show Book Cover Here ]
Slide 2
What Did We Learn?
Flexible Thinking
When plans change, did the characters find a new way? That's flexible thinking!
Slide 3
Video Time!
Pay attention to what makes a brain flexible or rigid.
Slide 4
Flexible Thinking for Kids
Embedded media
"What did you notice about flexible and rigid thinking?"
Slide 5
Move Your Body,
Move Your Brain!
Robot Brain
Stiff, stuck, only one way.
Noodle Brain
Wobbly, bendy, many ways.
Slide 6
Robot Brain or
Noodle Brain?
When something unexpected happens, how do you move?
Robot!
Noodle!
Slide 7
Sorting Our Thoughts
Now, let's sort some ideas!
Which actions show a Flexible Brain?
Slide 8
My Brain Can Stretch!
What is one new thing you learned today?
How can you be a noodle brain this week?
Slide 9
Brain Stretchers Script Brain Stretchers
Instructional Script
Teacher Resource
Part 1: How Do We Think? (Slide 1)
[ SAY ]
"Hi [Student's Name]! I'm so excited for our lesson today. We're going to talk about something super cool: how our brains think! Our brains are amazing, right? They help us learn, play, and imagine."
Wait for the student to affirm or react.
"Sometimes our brains think in one way, and sometimes they think in a different way. We're going to learn about two kinds of thinking today: flexible thinking and rigid thinking . Sounds interesting, right?"
Part 2: Story Time (Slides 2-3)
[ SAY ]
"Let's start with a story! I have a wonderful book here. While I read, I want you to listen carefully to what the characters do and how they react when things happen. Do they get stuck, or do they try new things?"
Optional Video Link: youtube.com/watch?v=Yv4xniOiQqQ (A Little Spot of Flexible Thinking)
[ AFTER READING ]
"Wow, what a great story! [Student's Name], remember when [describe character's situation]? What did they do? Did they keep trying the same thing, or did they find a new way?"
Teacher Tip:
Guide the discussion to reinforce the idea of trying new solutions. Introduce the terms 'Robot' and 'Noodle' here to prep for movement.
"That's what we call flexible thinking ! It's like our brain can bend and try different paths, even when the first one doesn't work. Sometimes our brain can get 'stuck' like a robot, and sometimes it can be 'bendy' like a noodle!"
Part 3: Robot vs. Noodle (Slides 6-7)
[ SAY ]
"Time to get our wiggles out and move our bodies like our brains! Are you ready?"
"First, let's be a Robot Brain ! A robot brain is stiff, right? It only does things one way. So, stand up straight and stiff! Can you walk like a robot? Arms stiff, legs stiff, only going in a straight line!"
[ Demonstrate and encourage the student to imitate ]
"Now, let's be a Noodle Brain ! A noodle brain is wobbly and bendy! It can try many ways. Can you wobble like a cooked noodle? Arms floppy, legs bendy, swaying side to side!"
[ Demonstrate and encourage the student to imitate ]
Scenario Prompts:
"When your favorite toy is missing... Robot (stuck/upset) or Noodle (look in new places)?"
"If it starts raining and we can't go to the park... Robot (stuck/sad) or Noodle (indoor fun)?"
"When your routine changes... Robot (frustrated) or Noodle (adapt)?"
Brain Stretchers Warm Up Worksheet How Do We Think?
Brain Stretchers Warm-Up
Name:
Date:
Our brains are always working!
They help us figure things out, learn new things, and even dream. Let's think about how we use our brains every day.
1
What is one amazing thing your brain helped you do this morning?
2
When you want to build something with blocks, what does your brain do first?
Does it have a plan, or does it just start stacking?
Flexible vs. Rigid Thinking Activity Guide Flexible vs. Rigid Thinking
Activity Guide: Movement & Sorting
This activity has two parts: a movement game and a sorting challenge to help us understand how our brains can think in different ways!
Part 1: Robot vs. Noodle Movement Game
Let's use our bodies to show how flexible and rigid thinking feels!
Robot Brain Moves
When you hear a situation that needs rigid thinking (sticking to one plan, getting stuck), act like a robot ! Be stiff, move in straight lines, don't bend.
Example: Your routine is exactly the same every day.
Noodle Brain Moves
When you hear a situation that needs flexible thinking (changing plans, trying new things), act like a noodle ! Be wobbly, bendy, and move in many ways.
Example: Your favorite toy is missing and you try a new game.
Listen to the scenarios! Show with your body if your brain is a Robot or a Noodle!
Part 2: Sorting Challenge
Now, let's sort some ideas! Read each card and decide if the action or thought shows Flexible Thinking or Rigid Thinking .
Flexible Brain
Rigid Brain
Flexible vs. Rigid Thinking Sorting Cards Worksheet Thinking Sorting Cards
Cut and Sort Activity
Instructions:
Cut out each card below. Read the sentence on each card. Decide if the card describes a Flexible Thinking or Rigid Thinking action. Sort them into two piles.
I wanted to play with the red car, but my friend had it. I decided to play with the blue car instead.
My teacher said we would do math first, but then we did reading. I got upset because the schedule changed.
My drawing didn't turn out exactly how I imagined it. I added some new details and liked it even more!
It's raining outside, so we can't play on the playground. I keep asking to go outside even though I know it's raining.
I made a mistake on my homework. I erased it and tried to figure out the right answer.
My mom said we're having chicken for dinner, but I only like pizza. I refused to eat anything else.
My friend suggested a new way to build our LEGO tower. I listened to their idea and we tried it.
I always sit in the same chair at the table. Today someone else is in it, and I can't sit anywhere else.
My favorite TV show was canceled. I found a new show that I also enjoy watching.
I have to tie my shoes exactly the same way every time. If it's not perfect, I start over and get frustrated.
Flexible Thinking
Rigid Thinking
Sorting Cards Answer Key Answer Key
Sorting Cards Guide
Teacher Resource
Use this guide to facilitate the sorting activity and discuss the reasoning behind each choice with the student.
Flexible Thinking Cards
Card 1: Red car vs. Blue car
"I wanted to play with the red car, but my friend had it. I decided to play with the blue car instead."
Reasoning: The student adapted to a change in plans and found an alternative solution.
Card 3: Drawing mistake
"My drawing didn't turn out exactly how I imagined it. I added some new details and liked it even more!"
Reasoning: Adjusted expectations and embraced a new outcome rather than getting stuck.
Card 5: Homework correction
"I made a mistake on my homework. I erased it and tried to figure out the right answer."
Reasoning: Open to correcting an error and learning from it.
Card 7: LEGO suggestion
"My friend suggested a new way to build our LEGO tower. I listened to their idea and we tried it."
Reasoning: Open to new ideas and collaboration.
Card 9: TV show canceled
"My favorite TV show was canceled. I found a new show that I also enjoy watching."
Reasoning: Adjusted to a change and found a new interest.
Rigid Thinking Cards
Card 2: Schedule change
"My teacher said we would do math first, but then we did reading. I got upset because the schedule changed."
Reasoning: Difficulty adjusting to an unexpected change in routine.
Card 4: Playground rain
"It's raining outside, so we can't play on the playground. I keep asking to go outside even though I know it's raining."
Reasoning: Stuck on a single idea and resistant to accepting reality.
Card 6: Dinner choice
"My mom said we're having chicken for dinner, but I only like pizza. I refused to eat anything else."
Reasoning: Unwilling to try new things or accept an alternative.
Card 8: Favorite chair
"I always sit in the same chair at the table. Today someone else is in it, and I can't sit anywhere else."
Reasoning: Attachment to a specific routine and inability to adapt.
Card 10: Perfectionism
"I have to tie my shoes exactly the same way every time. If it's not perfect, I start over and get frustrated."
Reasoning: Strong need for sameness/perfection; frustration when things aren't "just right".
Brain Stretchers Cool Down Worksheet My Brain Can Stretch!
Brain Stretchers Cool-Down
Name:
Date:
Way to go!
We learned so much today about flexible and rigid thinking!
1
What is one new thing you learned today about how your brain can be flexible?
2
Can you think of one way you could use your "noodle brain" (flexible thinking) today or this week?
Maybe trying a new game, or adapting if a plan changes?
Stay Bendy like a Noodle!
