Flexible Thinking Lesson Plan Flex Your Thinking
Individual Tier 3 Lesson Plan
20 MIN SESSION
Why This Matters
Flexible thinking helps children on the autism spectrum adapt to unexpected changes, manage frustration, and develop creative solutions in everyday situations.
Objective
Students will practice shifting perspectives and adapting to changes by solving playful scenarios and role-playing responses, fostering creative problem solving and resilience.
Materials
Flexible Thinking Spinner
Problem Scenario Cards
Flexible Thinking Visual Schedule
Reward Token Cards
Material Preparation
Print and laminate: Problem Scenario Cards, Visual Schedule, and Reward Tokens.Assemble: The Thinking Spinner by attaching an arrow (or paperclip/pencil) to the center.Setup: Place the visual schedule where all students can see. Prepare a token container within easy reach.
Teaching Approach
Playful scenarios combined with high-contrast visuals and guided discussion. Emphasize role-playing and immediate positive reinforcement.
Lesson Steps
01 3 MIN
Introduction & Hook
• Gather students in a circle in front of the visual schedule.
• Point to today’s goal: Flexible Thinking , using the schedule visual.
• Use simple language: “Flexible thinking means trying new ideas when things change.”
• Ask one student: “What would you do if your favorite crayon wasn’t available?” Praise any response and link it to being flexible.
02 12 MIN
Flexible Thinking Game
• Introduce the spinner: “When it lands, we pick a card and think of a new solution.”
• Invite one student to spin the Flexible Thinking Spinner .
• Draw the top card from the Problem Scenario Cards and read aloud with simple cues.
• Ask the group: “What else could we do here?” Show the two picture options on the card, then encourage a third idea.
• Role-play the chosen solution with the student, modeling calm reactions.
• Positive Reinforcement: After each turn, give immediate praise and a brief high-five or thumbs up.
03 5 MIN
Reflection & Reward
• Bring students back to the circle.
• Show the visual schedule and point to “We tried new ideas!”
• Go around and ask each student to name one new solution they heard today.
• Give each child a Reward Token Card for participation.
• Remind them: “Great job being flexible! We can try new things next time.”
Flex Your Thinking Slides Flex Your Thinking!
An interactive mini-lesson
20 minutes
First Grade Autism
Welcome, friends! Today we’re going to “Flex Our Thinking.” Point to our Flexible Thinking Visual Schedule and show the three steps: What flexible thinking is, play a game, and reflect. Let’s get started!
What Is Flexible Thinking?
Flexible thinking = Trying new ideas
...when things change!
"It's okay to try something different!"
Point to today’s goal: “What is Flexible Thinking?” Use simple language: “Flexible thinking means trying new ideas when things change.” Show a picture of a broken crayon. Ask: “What could you do if your favorite crayon isn’t available?” Praise any response and say, “Great flex!”
Flexible Thinking Game
1
Spin the Spinner
2
Pick a Scenario Card
3
Think of 3 Solutions!
Introduce the game steps one by one. Hold up the Flexible Thinking Spinner and say: “First, spin the spinner.” Then hold the Problem Scenario Cards: “Next, we pick a card with a problem.” Finally say: “Then we think of three different solutions!”
Play & Practice
Spin and reveal a scenario
Share two picture ideas from the card
Think of one more idea together!
Invite one student to spin. Read the scenario aloud using simple cues and show two picture options from the card. Ask, “What else could we do?” Encourage a third new idea. Role-play calmly. After each turn, give praise and a thumbs up.
Reflection & Reward
Share one new idea you heard today.
Every time you flex your brain, you earn a token!
Gather in the circle. Show this slide and point to “We shared great ideas!” Go around and ask each student: “Tell us one new solution you heard.” After each share, give a Reward Token Card.
Great Job!
You used your flexible brain today! We can try new ideas next time, too!
“Awesome work flexing your thinking today! Remember, when things change, we can always try a new idea.” High-five the group and remind them of our visual schedule: next time we’ll flex again!
Problem Scenario Cards Problem Scenario Cards
Cut along the dotted lines. Use with the Thinking Spinner.
1
The Broken Crayon
Your favorite crayon broke while you were coloring.
A
Use the broken piece.
B
Ask the teacher for a new one.
Think of idea #3:
2
Indoor Play
It's time to play outside, but it's raining.
A
Play an indoor game.
B
Draw a picture at your desk.
Think of idea #3:
3
Sharing Toys
Your friend doesn't want to share their toy.
A
Choose a different toy.
B
Take turns playing together.
Think of idea #3:
4
The Spilled Snack
Your snack bag spills on the floor.
A
Clean it up yourself.
B
Ask an adult for help.
Think of idea #3:
5
Finding a Seat
You can't find your seat at circle time.
A
Sit by a friend who has space.
B
Wait quietly for help.
Think of idea #3:
6
Changing Games
The class changes the game you were playing.
A
Try the new game.
B
Suggest a different game.
Think of idea #3:
Flexible Thinking Spinner Flexible Thinking Spinner
Attach a paperclip and pencil to the center to spin!
1
2
3
4
5
6
How to Use
1 Place a paperclip in the center. Put a pencil point in the middle of the paperclip to hold it.
2 Flick the paperclip to spin!
3 Match the number to a Problem Scenario Card .
Flexible Thinking Visual Schedule Our Flexible Thinking Day
Follow the steps to flex your brain!
1. What is Flexible Thinking?
"I can try a new idea!"
2. Flexible Thinking Game
Spin, Read, and Think of 3 Ideas!
3. Reflection & Reward
Share your idea and get a token!
Teacher Tip:
Cut out a small arrow and move it down the schedule as you complete each step. This provides clear structure for your students!
Reward Token Cards Reward Token Cards
Cut these out to reward flexible thinking!
Flex Brain!
Flex Brain!
Flex Brain!
Flex Brain!
Great Idea!
Great Idea!
Great Idea!
Great Idea!
Thinking Flex!
Thinking Flex!
Thinking Flex!
Thinking Flex!
New Idea!
New Idea!
New Idea!
New Idea!
How to Use:
Reward: Give one token after a student shares a new idea or adapts to a change.Collect: Students can keep tokens in a small cup or on a "Thinking Board."Goal: Once they have 5 tokens , they can choose a special "brain break" or sticker! 
