Introduction

Change is an inevitable part of life, especially for young students in school. Class schedules, teachers, activities, and locations can change frequently, and it’s essential for students to learn how to adapt to these changes. One way to help students cope with change is by teaching them to use an Open Mind. An Open Mind is a mindset that embraces new ideas and changes, allowing students to try new things and grow more mature and capable. This blog post will provide educators with a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills to help PreK students develop an Open Mind and handle change more effectively.

No-Prep Activity: The Open Mind Challenge

In this activity, students will practice using their Open Minds to adapt to unexpected changes during a simple game. This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator.

1. Have students sit in a circle.
2. Explain that you will be playing a game called the “Open Mind Challenge,” where they will need to use their Open Minds to adapt to changes in the game rules.
3. Start the game by having students pass an imaginary ball around the circle. As they pass the ball, they should say, “I’m using my Open Mind to pass the ball.”
4. After a few rounds, change the rules of the game. For example, you might ask the students to pass the ball in the opposite direction or clap their hands before passing the ball. Encourage students to use their Open Minds to adapt to the new rules and continue playing.
5. Continue changing the rules periodically, challenging students to use their Open Minds to adapt to each change.

This activity helps students practice using their Open Minds in a fun and engaging way, while also teaching them the importance of staying calm and adapting to change.

Discussion Questions

1. How did it feel to use your Open Mind during the game? Were there any changes that were difficult to adapt to?
2. Can you think of a time when you used your Open Mind in school? How did it help you?
3. Why is it important to have an Open Mind when things change in school?
4. What are some strategies you can use to help keep your Open Mind calm when trying new things?
5. How does having an Open Mind help us grow and learn?

Related Skills

Developing an Open Mind is just one aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. Here are some other related skills that can help PreK students adapt to change and grow:

• Flexibility: Learning to adjust to new situations and go with the flow.
• Problem-solving: Developing the ability to think critically and find solutions to challenges.
• Self-awareness: Understanding one’s emotions, thoughts, and actions, and how they affect others.
• Empathy: Recognizing and understanding the feelings and perspectives of others.

Next Steps

Helping students develop an Open Mind is a valuable skill that can benefit them in school and beyond. To further explore this skill and other related Social-Emotional Learning skills, we encourage you to sign up for free samples of our resources. These materials are designed to support educators in teaching valuable life skills to their students. By incorporating these activities and discussions into your classroom, you can help your PreK students become more adaptable, resilient, and successful in handling change.