Brain Lab Teacher Guide ROCK OR NOODLE?
Flexibility Lab: Lesson 1
The Big Goal
Students will identify the difference between "Rock Brain" (being stuck or rigid) and "Noodle Brain" (being flexible and adaptable) through hands-on exploration.
Supplies Needed
Large, hard rocks
Cooked noodles (or pipe cleaners)
"Rock" and "Noodle" signs
Key Vocabulary
Flexible:
Bending without breaking. Trying a new way.
Rigid:
Stiff and hard. Not wanting to change.
Instructional Steps
1
The Hook: Rock vs. Noodle
Show the students a rock. Ask: "Can I bend this rock?" Pass it around. Then show a pipe cleaner or cooked noodle. "Can I bend this?" Discuss how our brains can sometimes act like these objects when we face a problem.
2
Modeling the "Rock Brain"
Teacher Script: "Oh no! I wanted the blue chair, but someone is sitting in it! I'm staying right here until they move! I'm not doing any work until I get the blue chair!"
Ask: "Is my brain being a rock or a noodle?"
3
Modeling the "Noodle Brain"
Teacher Script: "I wanted the blue chair... but it's taken. That's okay! I can sit in the red chair today and maybe try the blue chair tomorrow."
Ask: "How did I bend? What was my Plan B?"
4
Brain Lab Sorting
Use the "Rock or Noodle" worksheet. Students look at different scenarios (e.g., trying a new snack, crying when a game ends) and decide if the brain is being "Rock" (stiff/stuck) or "Noodle" (wiggly/flexible).
Teacher Pro-Tip
For students with high anxiety, emphasize that "Rock Brain" isn't "bad"—it's just a brain that feels scared or stuck. Our job in the lab is to help the rock brain soften up until it can wiggle like a noodle. Use deep breaths to help the "softening" process.
Brain Sort Worksheet Brain Lab Challenge
Is it a Rock or a Noodle?
NAME:
DATE:
Look at each brain. Is it stuck like a ROCK? Or is it flexible like a NOODLE? Circle the right one!
🎨
"I only want the BLUE marker. If I can't have it, I won't color."
Rock
Noodle
🍎
"We are out of apples? Okay! I will try an orange instead."
Rock
Noodle
🌧️
"It's raining. We can't go outside, so let's play a game inside!"
Rock
Noodle
🧩
"This puzzle piece doesn't fit! I'm throwing it away!"
Rock
Noodle
My Noodle Moment...
Draw a picture of you being a NOODLE (trying something new or different)!
Brain Power Slides ROCK OR NOODLE
Welcome to the Flexibility Lab!
STIFF
WIGGLY
The Rock Brain
It says:
"Only my way!"
Hard to bend
Gets stuck on one idea
Feels angry or sad if things change
🪨
🍜
The Noodle Brain
It says:
"I can try a Plan B!"
Easy to bend
Thinks of new ideas
Stays calm when things change
TIME FOR A LAB TEST!
🎨
"The red marker is broken. I will use the pink one instead."
NOODLE!
🏫
"No recess because of rain? I'm going to scream and hide!"
ROCK!
BE THE NOODLE
"Your pencil lead snapped. What does your Noodle Brain say?"
"It's okay! I can sharpen it or get a new one."
Oopsie Rescue Teacher Guide Oopsie Rescue
Flexibility Lab: Lesson 2
The Routine
1. STOP Hands in lap
2. BREATHE Smell a flower
3. SWAP Get a new tool
The Setup
Place a bin of "Rescue Tools" (extra pencils, erasers, markers) in a consistent spot. Create "Oopsie Cards" for students to leave at their desk if they need to get up to swap.
The Lesson Flow
1
The Broken Pencil Demo
Teacher purposefully snaps a pencil or crayon. "Oh no! My work is ruined! I have to start all over! Wait... is my brain being a rock?" Have students help you identify the Rock Brain reaction.
2
The 3-Step Reset
Introduce the "Stop, Breathe, Swap" routine.
Stop: Take your hands off the work.
Breathe: In through nose, out through mouth.
Swap: Walk quietly to the rescue bin.
3
Role-Play Relay
Have students sit at their desks. Give each a "broken" tool (could be a pencil without an eraser). Call out "OOPSIE!" and have them practice the reset routine simultaneously. Praise the quiet, calm movement.
4
The "Oopsie" Pledge
"When my tool breaks, I don't break. I stop, I breathe, I swap."
Common Misconceptions
Students may think "Swap" means they can get up for any reason. Clarify that this is ONLY for tools that aren't working (broken lead, dry marker). Model how to check a tool before swapping.
Reset Routine Worksheet THE RESET ROUTINE
What to do when things break!
1
STOP
Hands in your lap.
🛑
2
BREATHE
In and out... slowly.
🌬️
3
SWAP
Get a tool that works.
🔄
MY OOPSIE PLAN
NAME: ________________________
Draw a picture of you using a BREATHE to stay calm when a tool breaks!
I am a Noodle
Surprise Shift Slides SURPRISE!
The Plan Just Changed
😟
UH OH!
Wait, What?
We were going to do Math, but now we have an Assembly?
"That's not what the schedule said! My brain feels like a rock!"
THE PLAN B SECRET
📅
PLAN A
The first plan.
🌟
PLAN B
The flexible plan!
Move the Card!
When the plan changes, we move our visual card to the Surprise Spot .
1. Take a breath.
2. Say: "Okay, Plan B!"
3. Move the card.
CAN YOU DO IT?
Is it safe when things change?
👍
YES!
👎
NO
The Waiting Game Teacher Guide The Waiting Game
Flexibility Lab: Lesson 4
The Big Goal
Students learn that "Not Now" does not mean "Never." They practice active waiting and choosing an alternative activity when a preferred item is in use.
Wait Tools
Sand Timers
iPad "Wait" Screen
Choice Board
Instructional Steps
1
The iPad Trap
Set up a scenario where you (the teacher) are playing a fun game on an iPad. Have a student ask for it. Say, "Not now, I'm using it." Watch the reaction. Use this to discuss the "Rock Brain" urge to grab or cry.
2
The "While I Wait" Menu
Teach the phrase: "While I wait, I can..." Show a choice board with 3 simple options (draw, look at a book, use a fidget). Model choosing one immediately after being told "Not now."
3
The Timer Strategy
Show how to set a 2-minute visual timer. Explain that when the timer is done, it is their turn. This gives the student a predictable end to the waiting period.
4
"Wait List" Practice
Practice writing names on a simple dry-erase board. "I'm on the list! I am next!" This visual confirmation helps lower anxiety about being forgotten.
Positive Reinforcement
Praise "Calm Waiting" specifically. "I love how you chose a book while you waited for the swing. That is some serious Noodle Brain power!"
What Else Can I Do Choice Worksheet WHILE I WAIT...
Choosing a Noodle Plan!
NAME:
🛝
The Problem
The swing I want is TAKEN. Someone else is using it!
Choose Your Plan B
🖍️
Draw a picture
📚
Read a book
🚶
Take a walk
My Other Idea...
What else could you do while you wait?
🏆 I AM A PATIENT PATROL MEMBER!
My Personal Plan B Map MY PLAN B MAP
Finding my way when things go wrong!
NAME:
DATE:
START HERE
A problem happens!
🌬️
STOP & BREATHE
🧠
THINK LIKE A NOODLE
MY PLAN B
Draw or paste your favorite Plan B option here!
🌲
🏔️
Follow the path! When a problem stops you, use your Reset Routine to find your way to your favorite Plan B !
Plan B Icons Sheet PLAN B ICON PACK
Cut and paste these choices onto your map!
🎨
Draw a Picture
📚
Read a Book
🧘
Deep Breaths
🧸
Fidget Toy
🥛
Drink Water
👟
Walk Space
🧩
Do a Puzzle
🫂
Ask for Help
Create Your Own!
Note: These icons are sized to fit the "Plan B Box" on the Personal Map material.