Introduction

Change is an inevitable part of life, and learning how to handle it is an essential skill for everyone. For students in Special Education, adapting to changes in their routines can be particularly challenging, as they may feel nervous or uncomfortable when faced with the unknown. In this blog post, we will discuss strategies for helping these students embrace change and manage their emotions effectively, incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning.

No-Prep Activity: The Change Game

This simple activity requires no preparation or materials and helps students practice adapting to changes in a fun and engaging way. To play The Change Game, follow these steps:

1. Ask students to form a circle.
2. Choose a volunteer to start the game by performing a simple action, such as clapping their hands or snapping their fingers.
3. The next student in the circle must perform the same action but add a new action, creating a sequence.
4. Continue around the circle, with each student adding a new action to the sequence.
5. If a student forgets an action or performs the sequence incorrectly, they must sit down, and the next student starts a new sequence.
6. The game continues until only one student remains standing.

The Change Game helps students practice adapting to changes and builds their confidence in handling unexpected situations.

Discussion Questions

• How did you feel when the sequence changed during The Change Game? What did you do to adapt to the change?
• Can you think of a recent situation where you had to handle a change in your routine? How did you handle it, and what could you have done differently?
• Why is it important to learn how to handle changes in our lives? How can we support each other when we face changes?
• What strategies can you use to manage your emotions when faced with an unexpected change?

Related Skills

In addition to learning how to handle change, students in Special Education can benefit from developing other related skills, such as:

• Emotion Regulation: Learning how to recognize and manage their emotions effectively.
• Problem-Solving: Developing the ability to think critically and find solutions to challenges they may face.
• Resilience: Building the capacity to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to new situations.
• Communication: Enhancing their ability to express their thoughts and feelings clearly and effectively.

Next Steps

To further support your students in developing these essential life skills, sign up for free samples of skill-building materials at Everyday Speech. By incorporating these resources into your teaching, you can help your students become more adaptable, confident, and emotionally resilient in the face of change.