As educators, it is important to teach our students the value of being flexible in various situations. Life is full of unexpected changes, and being able to adapt to these changes is a crucial skill for personal and social success. In this blog post, we will explore a no-prep activity that encourages flexibility, along with discussion questions and related skills to help students develop their ability to adapt and cope with change.

Introduction

Being flexible means being able to adjust to new situations and adapt to changes without getting upset or overwhelmed. On the other hand, being rigid implies an inability to cope with changes, resulting in feelings of frustration and distress. Teaching students how to be flexible is an essential aspect of Social-Emotional Learning, as it helps them develop resilience, improve their relationships, and navigate the challenges of everyday life.

No-Prep Activity: The Movie Switch

In this activity, students will practice being flexible by adapting to a change in plans. The goal is to help them understand the importance of flexibility and the consequences of being rigid.

1. Divide the students into groups of three or four.
2. Explain the scenario: The group had planned to watch a specific movie together, but one of the group members suggests watching a different movie instead.
3. Ask each group to act out the scenario, with one student being rigid and getting upset about the change in plans, while the others try to be flexible and adapt to the new situation.
4. After each group has acted out the scenario, discuss the consequences of being rigid and the benefits of being flexible. Encourage the students to share their thoughts and experiences during the activity.

Discussion Questions

1. How did it feel to be the rigid person in the scenario? How did it feel to be the flexible person?
2. How do you think being rigid or flexible affects your relationships with others?
3. Can you think of a time when you were rigid and it caused problems? How could you have handled the situation differently?
4. What are some strategies you can use to become more flexible in your everyday life?
5. Why is it important to be flexible, not only in social situations but also in school and work settings?

Related Skills

Teaching flexibility is closely related to other important Social-Emotional Learning skills, such as:

• Problem-solving: Being able to adapt to new situations and find solutions to challenges.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which can help us be more flexible in our responses to their needs.
• Communication: Expressing our thoughts and feelings effectively, and being open to the ideas and opinions of others.
• Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks and developing the ability to cope with change and adversity.

Next Steps

Teaching flexibility is an essential part of helping students develop the skills they need to navigate the complexities of life. By incorporating activities like The Movie Switch and engaging in open discussions, you can create a supportive environment that fosters adaptability and resilience. To explore more resources and sample materials that can help you teach flexibility and other Social-Emotional Learning skills, sign up for free samples at Everyday Speech.