Flex Lab Guide Teacher Guide Flex Lab Guide
Mindset Makeover Lesson Plan
OBJECTIVES
Identify "Stuck Thinking" triggers.
Apply "Flexible Thinking" strategies.
Manage transition anxiety and tics.
Overcome writing task paralysis.
MATERIALS
"My Brain Gym Book" Social Story
"Power Up" Strategy Cards
A rubber band (visual aid)
Timer for transitions
Social Story Script
"Sometimes my brain feels like it’s stuck in the mud. When my teacher says, 'Time to stop math and start writing,' I might feel a little worry bubble in my tummy. That's called 'Stuck Thinking.' My brain wants to stay exactly where it is!
But I have a superpower: Flexible Thinking . Being flexible means I can stretch like a rubber band. When it's time to change tasks, I can take a deep breath and tell myself, 'I can handle this change.' When I see a blank page for writing, I don't have to do it all at once. I can start with just one word, or one sentence. My brain is strong and can bend!"
The Playbook
1
Hook & Visual (5 mins)
Show a rubber band. Ask: "Can this bend?" (Yes). Show a pencil. Ask: "Can this bend?" (No, it breaks). Explain that "Stuck Thinking" is like the pencil—it breaks when things change. "Flexible Thinking" is like the rubber band.
2
Guided Reading (10 mins)
Read "My Brain Gym Book" together. Pause on page 3 to ask: "How does your body feel when you feel stuck?" Acknowledge tics or tummy butterflies without judgment.
3
The Power Up (5 mins)
Introduce the "Power Up" cards. Have the student pick their favorite "Calm Down" strategy (Deep Breath vs Quick Break) and place it in the top corner of their desk.
Role-Playing Scenarios
Scenario A: The Big Switch
Teacher Says: "Okay, everyone, put your math journals away. It's time for Writing!"
Student feels "stuck" because they aren't finished with their math drawing.
PRACTICE THE FLEX:
"I'm feeling stuck. I'll take a deep breath. I can finish my drawing at recess. I am being flexible!"
Scenario B: The Blank Screen
Teacher Says: "Today we are writing about our favorite animal. Open your laptops."
Student feels anxiety (tics may increase) looking at the empty page.
PRACTICE THE FLEX:
"This feels big. I'll use my 'One Step' card. I will just type the word 'Dolphin' and then take a 1-minute break."
Supporting Anxiety & Tics
Validate the Tic: If tics increase during "stuck" moments, acknowledge them neutrally. "I see your body is working hard right now. Let's take a 30-second sensory break." Avoid telling the student to stop the tics, as this increases anxiety.
Escape Behaviors: If the student tries to leave the area, offer a "Authorized Break." Use a visual card to make the escape a choice-based transition. "I see you need to move. You can use your break card for 2 minutes in the sensory corner."
The "Two Choice" Rule: Instead of demanding a start, offer: "Would you like to write with a sparkly pen or on the laptop?" Giving control reduces the 'fight or flight' response.
Post-Lesson Action
Taping the 'Flex Mode' and 'One Step' cards to the student's desk provides a permanent visual anchor.
My Brain Gym Book Social Story Print double-sided, cut along middle lines, and staple to create a mini-book!
MY BRAIN
GYM BOOK
A Story of Flexing!
NAME: ________________
My brain is amazing! It helps me learn, play, and grow every single day.
Sometimes my brain feels super fast. Sometimes it needs a little rest.
Stuck Thinking
When things change, my brain can feel "stuck." It feels like my feet are in heavy mud.
I might want to stay in one spot or say "No!" to new things.
Flexible Thinking
But I can use Flexible Thinking! This is like being a stretchy rubber band.
I can bend and try something different, even if it feels a little scary at first.
The Big Switch
When it's time to stop one task and start another, I take a deep breath.
"I can handle this change. I'll finish my other work later!"
The Blank Page
Writing can feel like a mountain. But I don't have to climb it all at once!
"I'll start with just 1 word. Then I'll try 1 sentence. One step at a time."
My Power Ups
DEEP BREATH
ASK FOR A BREAK
USE THE TIMER
FLEX HERO!
I am brave. I am flexible. I am the boss of my brain!
🌟
Power Up Cards Strategies Power Up Cards
Mindset Tools for My Desk
Cut Out Laminate Use Anytime
Deep Breath
In through my nose, out through my mouth. My brain feels calm.
One Step
I don't have to finish everything now. I will start with one word.
Flex Mode
Change is okay! I am choosing to be flexible and try something new.
Quick Break
I need 2 minutes for a sensory break. My tics need some space.
First / Then
FIRST I do my 1 small step. THEN I get a choice of what to do next.
Ask Help
I am feeling stuck. I'll raise my hand or show this card for support.
Power Up Pack // Mindset Makeover Lesson
Flex Lab Guide Teacher Guide Initiative Flex Lab Guide
Mindset Makeover Lesson Plan
OBJECTIVES
Identify "Stuck Thinking" triggers.
Apply "Flexible Thinking" strategies.
Manage transition anxiety and tics.
Overcome writing task paralysis.
MATERIALS
"My Brain Gym Book" Social Story
"Power Up" Strategy Cards
A rubber band (visual aid)
Timer for transitions
Social Story Script
"Sometimes my brain feels like it’s stuck in the mud. When my teacher says, 'Time to stop math and start writing,' I might feel a little worry bubble in my tummy. That's called 'Stuck Thinking.' My brain wants to stay exactly where it is!
But I have a superpower: Flexible Thinking . Being flexible means I can stretch like a rubber band. When it's time to change tasks, I can take a deep breath and tell myself, 'I can handle this change.' When I see a blank page for writing, I don't have to do it all at once. I can start with just one word, or one sentence. My brain is strong and can bend!"
The Playbook
1
Hook & Visual (5 mins)
Show a rubber band. Ask: "Can this bend?" (Yes). Show a pencil. Ask: "Can this bend?" (No, it breaks). Explain that "Stuck Thinking" is like the pencil—it breaks when things change. "Flexible Thinking" is like the rubber band.
2
Guided Reading (10 mins)
Read "My Brain Gym Book" together. Pause on page 3 to ask: "How does your body feel when you feel stuck?" Acknowledge tics or tummy butterflies without judgment.
3
The Power Up (5 mins)
Introduce the "Power Up" cards. Have the student pick their favorite "Calm Down" strategy (Deep Breath vs Quick Break) and place it in the top corner of their desk.
Role-Playing Scenarios
Scenario A: The Big Switch
Teacher Says: "Okay, everyone, put your math journals away. It's time for Writing!"
Student feels "stuck" because they aren't finished with their math drawing.
PRACTICE THE FLEX:
"I'm feeling stuck. I'll take a deep breath. I can finish my drawing at recess. I am being flexible!"
Scenario B: The Blank Screen
Teacher Says: "Today we are writing about our favorite animal. Open your laptops."
Student feels anxiety (tics may increase) looking at the empty page.
PRACTICE THE FLEX:
"This feels big. I'll use my 'One Step' card. I will just type the word 'Dolphin' and then take a 1-minute break."
Flex Hero Spotlight Initiative Flex Hero Spotlight
What Initiative Looks Like in Action!
1. The Challenge
The teacher says: "Time to put math away and start your Writing journals!" My brain wants to stay stuck in math.
2. The Feeling
I feel a little worry. My body might tic or I might want to walk away. That's my Stuck Thinking talking.
3. The Choice (Initiative!)
"I don't have to wait! I am choosing to be flexible right now."
I look at my Power Up card and take one big breath.
4. One Small Step
I put my math book in my desk. I grab my writing pencil. I am starting before I'm even asked!
5. The Win
I feel proud. I beat the "Stuck Feeling" and took initiative. I am a Flex Hero!
"When I take initiative, I show my brain who's boss!"
1 2 3
Mission Launch Pad Checklist Mission Launch Pad
Starting Tasks with Flexible Thinking
1. READY FOR LAUNCH (Initiative)
I heard the instructions and gathered my materials immediately.
I used my Power Up Breath to calm my worry bubbles.
"I am starting the task right now without waiting for a reminder!"
2. NAVIGATING THE TASK (Flexibility)
If I felt "stuck," I chose a strategy like the One Step Card.
When my body needed it, I asked for a Quick Break to reset.
I am bending my brain to handle this activity, even if it's new.
3. MISSION REVIEW (Reflection)
How was my brain during this activity?
🧘
Needed
🦸♀️
Used My
🚀
Initiative
Launch Reward
When I launch my task with initiative, I earn: ____________________
SUCCESS
Flex Hero Reward Coupons Initiative Flex Hero Coupons
Rewards for Initiative & Flexible Thinking
Cut Out Earn 3 Stars Redeem Anytime
FLEX
Sensory Choice
5 minutes with my favorite sensory tool or in the quiet corner.
FLEX
Tool Master
I get to choose any writing tool (laptop, gel pens, or markers).
FLEX
Music Mission
Listen to focus music with headphones while I work on my mission.
FLEX
Space Choice
Pick a special spot to work (beanbag, floor mat, or teacher desk).
Daily Flex Tracker
DATE: __________________
Morning Work
Reading
Writing
Math
Science/SS
Specials
Transitions (All Day)
Initiative
Flexible Thinking
Stayed Calm
Visual Daily Flex Tracker Early Childhood Flex Power Day
My Daily Quest Map
Super Hero Name
__________________
Stuck Thinking
Flexible Power!
Morning Work
Math Quest
Science / SS
Specials
ELA Knowledge
ELA Skills
WIN Time
My Flex Reward
I am earning: _____________________________
Flex Hero
Mission Launch Pad Checklist Revised Mission Launch Pad
Starting Tasks with Flexible Thinking
Today's Mission Subject:
Morning Work
Math
Science/SS
Specials
ELA Knowledge
ELA Skills
WIN
1. READY FOR LAUNCH (Initiative)
I heard the instructions and gathered my materials immediately.
I used my Power Up Breath to calm my worry bubbles.
"I am starting the task right now without waiting for a reminder!"
2. NAVIGATING THE TASK (Flexibility)
If I felt "stuck," I chose a strategy like the One Step Card.
When my body needed it, I asked for a Quick Break to reset.
I am bending my brain to handle this activity, even if it's new.
3. MISSION REVIEW (Reflection)
How was my brain during this activity?
🧘
Needed
🦸♀️
Used My
🚀
Initiative
Launch Reward
When I launch my task with initiative, I earn: ____________________
SUCCESS
